The Sundarbans
The Sundarbans in the southwestern part of Bangladesh has an important buffer function, protecting the densely settled agriculture areas from the full force of periodic cyclones storms and tidal waves. It lies in the west of the Brahmaputra-Meghna delta covering an area of 587,380 ha of natural mangroves and further 100,000 ha of planted mangroves .It is the largest in the world as a compact single block of mangrove resources. The Sundarbans mangrove forests is a hotspot of biological diversity and support a unique ecological community which includes a number of terrestrial, aquatic, amphibian and avifauna population. It is an important staging and wintering area for migratory shore birds, gulls and terns. Mangrove forest also yields a large quantity of honey and wax from the wild beehives. Mollusk shells are gathered for burning to produce lime. A big portion of people from near and far from the wetland do fishing in and around Sundarbans round the year. Around 160,000 people are engaged in fishing activities. It provides livelihoods to about 300,000 people at certain seasons of the year working in different trades. Approximately 1 million hectares of land in southern coastal areas of Bangladesh is at risk of salinity. In the recent years the hydrological conditions have undergone a change in the southwestern part of the country following the commissioning of the Farakka barrage by India. At least three reasons are contributing to saline water intrusion: 1.Diversion of Ganges River flow by Farakka barrage. 2.Overdrafting of freshwater aquifers. 3.Upstream withdrawal for irrigation of rice and others crops. High salinity affects the growth of mangrove vegetation bringing about changes in species composition. The recent increase in water and soil salinity has upset the natural equilibrium of the delicate ecological balance required for the healthy growth and existence of the rich flora and fauna. Sundori, the dominant tree species, is severely affected by 'top dying'. The forest resources have suffered the cruel onslaught by man for centuries but it is only the last half a century which saw the disastrous effect on the mangrove forests.
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