Coasts- Sundarbans

Question 1

Location and characteristics

Answer 1

-South West Bangladesh and east India, on the Bay of Bengal
-largest mangrove forest in the world
-flat and low-lying
-in its natural state the coastal system is in dynamic equilibrium
-home to 4 million people

Question 2

Opportunities

Answer 2

-flat, fertile land is ideal for crops (rice)
-rich ecosystem provides fish, crabs and honey
-forests provide leaves and timber for construction, firewood and furniture
-tourism
-natural flood barrier/ protection from coastal erosion

Question 3

Risks

Answer 3

-lack of freshwater
-mangroves removed for growing population= more flooding
-salinisation from flooding= harder to grow crops
-limitations in development= lack of employment, healthcare and education

Question 4

Mitigation, adaptation and resilience against risks

Answer 4

-electricity and solar panels extended to more areas= more flood warnings
-training in sustainable fishing
-increased access to clean water and sanitation by the Public Health Engineering Department
-3500km built to prevent flooding (gradually eroding)
-houses built on stilts