Case study of a contrasting coastline- The Sundarbans Bangladesh

Background and Location

Coastal Zone occupying the world's largest delta (mud flood plain) 10,000km of southern Bangladesh. The delta is formed from the sediment deposited by 3 if the worlds greatest rivers. The natural climax ecosystems of the Sundarbans are mangrove forests and swamps.

Opportunities (driven by the Mangrove forests)

Goods- Construction materials Fishing Materials Food and drink Services- Protection Maintenance Value

Adapting to the future

If there was a serious flood, NGOs provide education and training about community level prep for natural disasters. When the temperature rises it increases the salinity of the soil so USAID trains communities to become resilient to future climate shocks. (30,000 people have received training on improving agricultural techniques).

Human Responses (mitigation)

Livelihood assets of communities help mitigate the challenges of the Sundarbans... Human (people, health, education) Financial (savings) Physical (houses, electricity) Natural (Land, water) Social (co-operative groups)

Human Responses (Resilience)

Mangrove forests provides resilience and protection against... Strom winds, floods, coastal erosion, tsunamis. 1 hectare of mangrove forest has an economic value of £12,000 to help reduce poverty.

Challenges

Natural- Coastal flooding Cyclones High salinity in soils Human- Destructive fishing techniques Over-exploitation of coastal resources from vulnerable habitats Resource-use conflicts

Sustainable Development opportunities

Opportunities in the Mangrove forests for eco-tourism There has been recent investment to improve communities in the region.

Coastal Processes

The rich sediment has helped create the mangrove forests. Tidal action is the primary natural process that shapes the coastal landscape. Main channels remain static due to silts and clays being resistant to erosion. Larger channels flow north to south due to the strong tidal currents.