Case study: The Sundarbans

What is human resilience?

the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties

How do the mangrove forests support natural resilience in the Sundarbans?

by providing a natural defence against storms, floods, and tsunamis, and by supporting livelihoods which reduce vulnerability to poverty

How can mangroves reduce the impact of a tsunami?

30 coastal trees per 100m² can reduce the flow of a tsunami by 90%

What role do mangroves play in carbon storage?

mangroves capture and store carbon, helping areas adapt to climate change

What measures have been taken to increase mangrove coverage in the Indian Sundarbans?

since 2011, the Livelihoods Fund has planted over 16 million mangroves

How much carbon is expected to be captured by the new mangroves over 20 years?

approximately 671,000 tonnes

How does ecotourism contribute to resilience in the Sundarbans?

attracts tourists while promoting the protection of the environment

What is mitigation?

reducing the severity of a hazard or risk

What is adaptation?

changing practices or behaviours to suit a new or challenging situation

Which mitigation measures have been implemented in the Sundarbans?

infrastructure investments (e.g., roads, schools, hospitals, cyclone shelters)

How do communities in the Sundarbans support each other during hazards?

working together to protect vulnerable people and sharing resources, including khas land available for use by locals without income

What is farming adaptation in the Sundarbans?

modifying agricultural practices to suit environmental conditions and climate change

How has USAID supported farming adaptation?

training 30,000 people in improved, eco-friendly techniques

What types of rice are being planted to adapt to saline soils?

rice varieties tolerant of more saline conditions

What is building adaptation?

constructing buildings that serve multiple purposes to meet local needs

How are multi-purpose buildings used in the Sundarbans?

buildings are used as primary schools during normal times and cyclone shelters during hazards

Why are storage tanks being installed in the Sundarbans?

• collect rainwater

• ensure supplies of freshwater are available during coastal floods

What is the Sundarbans coastal landscape?

a coastal area on the Bay of Bengal where the deltas of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers meet the sea

When did the Sundarbans become a UNESCO World Heritage site?

1987

How much land does the Sundarbans cover?

over 10,000 km²

What dominates the Sundarbans landscape?

• mangrove forests

• swamps

How were the Sundarbans forests and swamps formed?

marine and river sediments mixed and settled out of suspension, with sand forming dunes and bars

How does ecological succession occur in the Sundarbans?

mangrove forests develop in more saline areas and swamps in areas with more freshwater

Why is the Sundarbans valued for biodiversity?

it contains 260 bird species and threatened species such as the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, and Indian python

What physical and human threats affect the Sundarbans?

• cyclones

• rising sea levels

• increasing salinity

• deforestation

• declining biodiversity

What percentage of the Sundarbans were damaged by Cyclone Sidr in 2007?

40%

How do the natural waterways and soils affect human use?

• the waterways make the land accessible

• fertile soils allow farming

• mangroves provide natural coastal defence

How many people live in the Sundarbans?

over 4 million people, including the city of Khulna and the port of Mongla

How do the Sundarbans protect nearby settlements?

the mangrove forests shield towns from cyclones

What natural resources are provided by the Sundarbans?

• furs and skins

• dyes

• cooking oil

• honey

• fruits

• fish

• wax

• glue

• medicines

• timber

How do tourists use the Sundarbans?

tourists visit on safari to see Bengal tigers and other wildlife

What natural hazards occur in the Sundarbans?

• flooding

• cyclone

How dangerous are tigers to humans in the Sundarbans?

an average of 22.7 people were killed each year from 1947-1983

What percentage of the Sundarbans forest could be destroyed by the end of the century?

UNESCO estimates 75% due to climate change and sea level rise

What human hazards affect the Sundarbans?

• over-exploitation of resources

• drainage of swamps for farming and building

• destructive fishing techniques

• land use conflicts