Sundarbans

• Facts

  • largest mangrove in the world 100 000km2
  • 2m fish a year in the mangrove fishmongers
  • 400 000 fisherman earn livelihoods
  • mangroves support 2.3m people
• coastal processes 


  tidal action: shapes the distinctive landscape. it has a dense network of river channels. the channels flow north to south due to the strong tidal currents.

  deposition: sediment is washed out of delta and deposited on bank or at river mouths, where strong south west wind blows them into sand dunes. Mangrove forest develop.
• Agriculture


  • Aquaculture and fisheries provide most income for locals (53%)
  • Employment for 1.2m and seasonal jobs for 10m people
• Construction


  • Timber is used from mangrove trees
  • Palms used for thatching construction of small huts and cheap fencing
  • Can cause long term damage and corrupt forest
• Ecotourism


  • Mangrove have unique biodiversity
  • Rare bengal tigers and crocodiles
  • 3 wildlife sanctuaries
  • Wide range of flora and fauna: 334 plant species
  • Tourism raises awareness
• Protection from natural hazards


  • Protection from tropical storms, floods and storm surges
  • Height of waves passing through mangroves is reduced due to roots and branches, reduce wave energy to cause damage
  • Dense mangroves are highly effective debris trap, protecting people and infrastructure
• risks

  • access is difficult limiting opportunities for everyone
  • lack of fresh water for drinking because fresh water is diverted from rivers to irrigation systems for agriculture
  • mangrove forest are being removed due to increased demand for duel and food which increases flood risk
  • home to dangerous animals which attack humans
  • poor regions: people don’t get flood warnings
• over coming risks: resilience

  • Public health engineering department increased access to fresh water and sanitation
  • Better bridges and roads are being built (HOWEVER, this can lead to deforestation)
  • Electricity being extended to more areas - easier communication about flood warnings
  • Some NGOs are providing training in farming and fishing to help reduce overexploitation.
• overcoming risks: mitigation

  • 3500km embankments built to reduce flooding. HOWEVER, the embankments are being eroded. 800m are at risk of being breached by tsunamis
  • Aim to protect existing mangrove forests and replant areas that have been removed to protect against flooding and erosion. HOWEVER, it is difficult to prevent illegal forest clearing throughout the whole region
• overcoming risks: adaptations

  • Salt resistant rice is being grown to help residents cope with flooding and sea level rise.
  • Projects to increase tourism providing jobs e.g. lodges and boat trips. HOWEVER Tourism can cause environmental issues e.g pollution
  • Houses are being built on stilts to protect them from sea level rise. HoWEVER, infrastructure such as roads cannot be protected easily.
• Location

  • South west of Bangladesh
  • joins Bay of Bengal