sundarbans case study

Question 1

key facts

Answer 1

located in south Bangladesh on the delta of the Ganges, Bay of Bengal
largest mangrove forest in the world
sea level rise is threatening

Question 2

coastal processes

Answer 2

tidal action (primary process)
interconnecting channels

Question 3

why must it be protected?

Answer 3

protecting people and towns from erosion and storm hazards
massive carbon store due to high density vegetation
endangered species

Question 4

opportunities

Answer 4

provides goods and services: timber, firewood, household items, fishing grounds, organic matter and fertility
- economic benefits
- development of wealth of Bangladesh

Question 5

challenges

Answer 5

coastal flooding, sea level rise, cyclones, shoreline erosion, exploitation of coastal resources

Question 6

resilience in the sundarbans

Answer 6

wealth of goods has provided income to overcome challenges
mangrove forests provide protection against storms, floods, tsunamis, erosion
- 30 trees can reduce force of tsunami by 90%
soil fertility has provided nutritious foods
1ha of mangrove forests = $12,000
= ECONOMIC RESILIENCE

Question 7

mitigation of threats to sundarbans

Answer 7

communities work together to reduce impacts and protect coastline landscapes
use of open access resources
- khas land (government owned land)
- forests
- fisheries
cyclone shelters
NGOs provide capital as support
= HOWEVER NOT SUSTAINABLE, shrinking of open access resources

Question 8

adaptation

Answer 8

NGOs provide education and training (planning and preparation)
development of salt-tolerant rice, can withstand being submerged in saltwater for two weeks
water tight containers can hold food in during floods
increased transport links