Let the Sundarbans thrive

The Sundarbans one of Bangladesh’s most important ecological sites, which not only helps our nation ward off the more severe effects of climate change, but also contributes greatly to our economy with tourism alone being a great source of employment generation.

However, despite its status as a bulwark against climate change, the ravaging effects of the global crisis can now be seen taking a severe toll on the Sundarbans as it affects livelihoods dependent on nature, and also the health and nutrition of nearby communities.

It is high time that we as a nation extended the same courtesy to the Sundarbans as it has to us for so long.As things stand, there are a number of existential threats that the Sundarbans currently face, the chief being a constant shrinking of the forest area.

According to a World Bank report from 2020, the total area of the Sundarbans -- combining both the West Bengal and Bangladesh’s portions -- was 11,904sq-km between 1904 and 1924. In 1967, it shrank to 11,663sq-km, and in 2016, to 11,506sq-km. River erosion is also a constant threat in the area, which is a major issue to communities that are settled along river banks.

It has been close to three years since the government announced an ambitious conservation project with regards to the Sundarbans which, despite delayed implementation, did result in some progress with regards to its ecosystem and biodiversity with a 2023 survey noticing a significant rise in both flora and fauna.

The Sundarbans is recognized as a World Heritage Site for a reason -- it is an inextricable part of the very soul of Bangladesh, representing the sheer vibrancy of our natural beauty. We must do everything it takes to make sure that the Sundarbans’ ecology continues to thrive.