Saving Sundarbans

Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest, which is a natural blessing for Bangladesh. This forest, a reservoir of biodiversity, consistently shields us against all terrible natural calamities such as floods and cyclones. However, the most alarming aspect of the Sundarbans at present is the impact of climate change, which has put various animals and plants of the Sundarbans at extreme risk.
In particular, Sundari, the main plant species of the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is at the highest risk. Sundari trees naturally cannot tolerate excess saltwater, but currently, the salinity of the Sundarbans is increasing due to various reasons, including climate change. As a result, the tree species is struggling to survive. Additional salt-tolerant species such as Keora and Gewa are taking the place of Sundari. However, if this continues, Sundari, the main plant species of the Sundarbans, will disappear, so necessary measures should be taken to save Sundari very soon.
Besides this, foresters can also be encouraged to protect the Sundarbans. Most families in the southwestern part of the country depend on various resources of the Sundarbans, such as Golpata and honey collection, for their livelihoods. Many local people also make a living by fishing and making shutki. The government also earns some revenue from these activities. These livelihoods not only help sustain the foresters but also contribute to maintaining the balance of the forest. For example, Bawalis and Mawalis collect honey at specific times, which encourages bees to lay more honeycombs, aiding pollination. However, in many cases, due to the greedy nature of some foresters, significant damage is inflicted upon the forest. Therefore, local people as well as foresters should be made aware of the importance of forests and encouraged to conserve the Sundarbans.
Above all, all authorities concerned including the local people should make concerted efforts to preserve the Sundarbans as one of the symbols of Bangladesh on the world stage.

Ashikujaman Syed
Marketing Research Associate,
Hebei Huanji Metal Wire Mesh Co. Ltd,
Shijiazhuang, China,
[email protected]