Sundarbans

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

• The Sundarbans is a mangrove region occupying the world’s largest delta
• The delta is formed from the sediment deposited by the world’s greatest rivers

Question 2

Opportunities

Answer 2

• Rich ecosystem provides population with fish, crabs, and honey
• Mangrove forests provide timber for firewood and furniture
• Natural defence against flooding as it acts a barrier to rough seas
• Opportunities for tourism
• Cargo ships use the waterways
• Power plant proposed for energy
• Flat fertile ground ideal for growing crops

Question 3

Challenges

Answer 3

• Lack of fresh water for drinking and irrigation
• Growing population has led to a need for more fuel and more agricultural land so forests are being removed which increases risk of flooding
• Lack of employment and income opportunities
• Low lying land at risk from rising sea levels
• Poor region so communication is difficult
• Access is difficult

Question 4

Resilience

Answer 4

• Public health engineering department is increasing access to clean water
• Better roads and bridges
• Mains electricity is being extended, solar panels
• NGOs offering training in sustainable methods of fishing and farming

Question 5

Mitigation

Answer 5

• 3500km of embankments were built to prevent flooding
• Coastal management projects aim to protect existing forests and replant areas that have been removed to prevent flooding and erosion
• Attempts to mitigate the impacts of extreme events, NGOs providing funding for cyclones and early warning systems which help people shelter or evacuate

Question 6

Adaptation

Answer 6

• Salt resistant varieties of rice are being grown which will help residents cope with flooding
• Projects underway to increase tourism to provide jobs and income
• People can adapt to sea level rise by building houses on stilts