By Jarin Raka
The Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the largest such forests in the world (140,000 ha), lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. The site is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests and presents an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes. It plays a crucial role in protecting Bangladesh from natural disasters, especially cyclones, flooding, and coastal erosion. Here’s how the Sundarbans helps:
Protection from Storm Surges
Bangladesh is often hit by tropical cyclones, which bring very strong winds and high waves called storm surges. These surges can cause huge flooding and damage. The Sundarbans helps reduce the impact of storm surges. According to The World Bank (2015), the mangrove trees in the Sundarbans can lower the height of storm surges by up to 40% over just one kilometer. For example, during Cyclone Aila in 2009, areas near the Sundarbans experienced less damage because the mangrove forests helped protect them, as reported by The Daily Star. The trees slow down the waves and wind, making the storm less dangerous.
Reducing Flooding
Bangladesh is known for frequent flooding, especially during the monsoon season. The Sundarbans helps reduce flooding by acting like a giant sponge. The forest absorbs excess rainwater and slows down tidal surges, preventing them from flooding nearby areas. FAO (2016) explains that the rivers and wetlands in the Sundarbans help control the flow of water, reducing the impact of floods. According to The Daily Star, the forest stores water during the rainy season and then slowly releases it, stopping floods from getting worse.
Preventing Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion, or the loss of land due to waves and tides, is a big problem for Bangladesh. The roots of the mangrove trees in the Sundarbans help hold the soil together and stop erosion. UNEP (2014) says that the trees trap sediments and help build up the coastline which protects the land from being washed away. IUCN (2020) also mentions that the Sundarbans plays a key role in keeping the coastline stable, preventing land loss and protecting local communities.
Supporting Livelihoods
Millions of people in Bangladesh rely on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods. The forest provides important resources such as fish, honey, crabs and wood. According to The World Bank (2015), the Sundarbans is a major source of income for local communities. The forest also supports ecotourism, which brings in money and creates jobs. The Daily Star (2017) reported that ecotourism in the Sundarbans has grown, helping the local economy while protecting the forest.
Climate Change Adaptation
Bangladesh is facing the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and stronger cyclones. The Sundarbans helps Bangladesh adapt to these changes. According to IUCN (2020), the mangrove trees in the forest absorb carbon dioxide, helping fight climate change. They also protect the coast from saltwater, which can damage freshwater supplies and crops. The Daily Star (2020) reported that the Sundarbans is vital for protecting against rising sea levels and helping the country adapt to climate change.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
The Sundarbans is home to a rich variety of plants, animals and marine life. This biodiversity supports the health of the ecosystem and provides essential services to the local population. The forest helps sustain fisheries, agriculture and the local economy by maintaining balanced ecosystems.The World Bank (2015) emphasizes that the Sundarbans’ biodiversity contributes to the overall health of the environment, which in turn supports the livelihoods of local people. The forest also provides important ecosystem services, such as water purification, carbon storage, and soil stabilization, all of which are essential for the region’s sustainability.
Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning Systems
In addition to its physical protection, the Sundarbans plays a role in Bangladesh’s disaster preparedness efforts. The forest is integrated into the country’s early warning systems, helping to provide timely alerts for approaching cyclones and storm surges. According to The Daily Star, local communities in the Sundarbans are trained to respond to early warning signals, evacuating to safer areas when necessary. The government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work together to ensure that communities are aware of the risks and know how to respond effectively.
Role in Water Regulation and Freshwater Supply
The Sundarbans also helps regulate freshwater systems in the region. Its mangrove forests trap freshwater and prevent excessive saltwater intrusion, which is critical for maintaining agriculture and drinking water supplies. The Daily Star (2018) reported that “The Sundarbans serves as a critical filter for freshwater, helping sustain the agricultural livelihoods of those living near the coast.”
Therefore, the Sundarbans protects Bangladesh from natural disasters by reducing storm surge impact by up to 66%, lowering flood risks, preventing coastal erosion and supporting local livelihoods. It is a vital natural defense system that helps Bangladesh face climate changes. But it is a matter of great regret that, this asset of our country is being destroyed due to deforestation, pollution and climate change. Immediate action, including stricter laws, reforestation and sustainable resoeessential to preserve this valuable ecosystem. Protecting the Sundarbans is vital to safeguard the country from future disasters.
The writer is a member of the Social Research Group (SRG) and an undergraduate student of Public Administration at Comilla University, Bangladesh. The article is a work in progress.
