Summary Sundarbans - Coastal Systems

Sundarbans
Located in SW Bangladesh & SE India - Bay of Bengal - on delta of the Ganges
Flat + low-lying land – vulnerable to flooding
Coastal system in dynamic equilibrium: inputs = outputs


OPPORTUNITIES
 Flat, fertile land of river deltas ideal for growing crops – rice in particular

 Mangrove ecosystem provides local population with fish, crabs, honey

 Mangrove forest provide timber for construction, firewood and furniture

 Mangrove forest acts as a natural defence against flooding and erosion

 Ecotourism exploited in mangrove forest – benefits local economy

 Since 2011 oil + food have been imported by cargo ships through dredged
waterways

 A power plant may possibly be constructed north of the national park – energy
source for people regionally




RISKS
 Lack of clean water for drinking and irrigation in most of area – because fresh water
is diverted from the rivers for irrigation of agricultural land further upstream.



 The growing population has led to a need for more fuel and more agricultural land,
hence mangrove forests being deforested – increased risk of flooding and erosion.



 Flooding can lead to soil salinisation, hindering the ability to grow crops, negatively
affecting the local economy.



 Poor access – few roads, existing ones are of poor quality – limits opportunities for
development – harder for residents to receive goods, healthcare and education.