Humans at the Coast (Case Study) Sundarbans

Question 1

Where is the Sundarbans region and what is the population?

Answer 1

Southwest Bangladesh and east India, on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal, home to more than 4 million

Question 2

Which rare plants and animals can be found there?

Answer 2

Orchids, white - bellied sea eagles, Royal Bengal tigers and Irawadi dolphins

Question 3

What natural products can be used by the local people for economic benefit?

Answer 3

Flat, fertile land ideal for growing crops such as rice.
Rich ecosystem of mangroves provides fish, crab, honey and palm leaves for construction. Also, wood can be used as timber.

Question 4

What are the services provided?

Answer 4

Mangroves are natural defences against flooding and erosion.

Question 5

What are the opportunities for development?

Answer 5

Tourism Since 2011, cargo ships have been transporting goods and are allowed to use the waterways, with some channels dredged for easier passage.
Power plant proposal

Question 6

What are the risks?

Answer 6

Lack of fresh water for drinking and irrigation, diverted from the rivers further upstream. 1/5 of households have electricity and difficulty communicating,meaning flood warnings aren’t received.

Question 7

What is resilience and give an example?

Answer 7

Cope with challenges environment presents. The Public Health Engineering Department increasing access to clean water and sanitation.

Question 8

What is mitigation and give an example?

Answer 8

Reducing severity of hazards. 3500km of embankments built, however much erosion has left a vulnerable 800km.

Question 9

What is adaptation and give an example?

Answer 9

Adjusting behaviour to fit environment. Salt resistant varieties of crops, however they reduce biodiversity.