Shafi Noor Islam

Deltaic floodplains development and wetland ecosystems management in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Rivers Delta in Bangladesh

The Ganges delta has a great importance for its exceptional hydro-geological settings and deltaic floodplain wetland ecosystems. The floodplain is formed by the deposition of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna River. The physical characteristics of floodplains, geographic location, the multiplicity of rivers and the monsoon climate render wetland ecosystems highly vulnerable to natural disaster and anthropogenic activities. Flooding is a natural annual phenomenon of a river system which occupies a unique position in the culture, society and economy of Bangladesh. There are 257 rivers in Bangladesh, from which 59 rivers are transboundary rivers. All of these rivers play a prospective role in the economic development of the country. The deltaic floodplains of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Rivers Delta are undergoing rapid hydro-morphological changes due to natural and anthropogenic causes. Historically, these three rivers have played a strong role in formation of deltaic floodplains and wetland ecosystems in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) Rivers Delta. The GBM rivers system is continuously developing the active deltaic floodplains in the coastal region of Bangladesh. The deltaic wetlands are under threat due to extension of agricultural land use, shrimp cultivation, and saline water intrusion in the tidally active delta region. The main reasons of ecosystem degradation are the settlements development, urbanization processes and substantial uses of deltaic natural resources. The study investigated the role of river systems in the formation and development process of delta and salinity intrusion and its impact on wetland ecosystems in the tidally active deltaic floodplains in the coastal region. The objective of this study is to understand the role of river systems in the delta formation process and an analysis of deltaic floodplain and degraded wetland ecosystems of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Rivers Delta in Bangladesh.

Water salinity investigation in the Sundarbans rivers in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, through its complex network of river systems, drains an area of about 1.76 million km 2 of the catchments of the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna, of which only 7.5% lies in Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is situated in the Ganges catchment area, which is known as the single largest mangrove forest and unique ecosystem in the world. It has an area 6017 km 2 and a natural shield that protects the coastal area from storm surges and cyclones. It also plays a potential role in the regional economy and ecosystems. Since the diversion of Ganges water at Farakka Barrage in India from early 1975, as a result the water and soil salinity has penetrated. Consequently, both siltation and increased salinity have degraded water quality in the Sundarbans rivers, and threats for mangrove ecosystems. At present, ground water use in the study area is less because of high salinity intrusion. For salinity investigation, time series data for four years (13 rivers) were used for water salinity modelling. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the water salinity approximation in the Sundarbans rivers, which will be considered as a tool for decision making. It will make a contribution to develop an interdisciplinary management plan and to ensure that fresh water is supplied to the Sundarbans by the Ganges for the protection of mangrove ecosystems.

An analysis of the damages of Chakoria Sundarban mangrove wetlands and consequences on community livelihoods in south east coast of Bangladesh

Mangrove wetlands constitute a part of human natural and cultural heritage. They have importance for the country’s economic, industrial, ecological, socio-economic and cultural aspects. The Chakoria Sundarban is the second largest mangrove wetland ecosystem in south eastern coastal region in Bangladesh. It covers 3.5% of the main Sundarban. The poor of the Chakoria mangrove wetland areas were dependent on mangrove resources for their livelihoods. The wetland habitat is threatened due to unplanned decision and destruction of mangrove forest. The Chakoria mangrove forest and wetland has been completely disappeared within 107 years (1903 to 2010). It was recognised as a driving force for coastal socio-economic improvement and biodiversity conservation. An analytical analysis of the various issues leading to mangrove forest ecosystem degradation is made in this study. The result shows that the coastal communities have lost their livelihoods option. The objective of this study is to understand the present sens...

Challenges of climate change impacts on urban water quality management and planning in coastal towns of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh coastal zone is the lowest lying zone in the world where 36 million people are living within 1 metre elevation from high tide level. The coastal ecosystem is supporting more than 15% of the total population of the country, is under varying degrees of environmental threats due to anthropogenic and climate change impacts. The clean coastal urban drinking water supply is now a crucial problem in the coastal Bangladesh; where almost 11 million people live in the coastal urban areas. The shortage of upstream fresh water supply, the global warming and climate impacts are the new threats for urban water supply management and planning of 136 towns. Almost 34 towns are severely affected by saline water intrusion. Therefore, climate awareness and applied research should be initiated to change the attitude of the people. The objective of this paper is to understand the impacts of climate change on urban water supply as well as management and planning of small towns in the coastal region of Bangladesh.

Fourier polynomial approximation of estuaries water salinity in the Sundarbans region of Bangladesh

The geographical location, characteristics of the coastal region and the monsoon climate render Bangladesh highly vulnerable to natural disasters. The reduction of upstream fresh water in the Ganges basin caused for high saline water penetration in the estuaries of the Sundarbans region. The five estuaries namely Baleswar, Bangra, Kunga, Malancha and Raimangal are highly affected by saline water intrusion and tidal inundation which is a new threat for estuaries ecosystems. The time series water salinity data were used for water salinity approximation. The estuaries water salinity modelling was done through Fourier polynomial approach using MATLAB software and GIS used for environmental data analysis and visualisation. Almost four estuaries water salinity has crossed the water salinity threshold line and the Baleswar estuary is in the marginal situation. The objective of this study is to understand the water salinity fluctuations and threatened ecosystems in the river estuaries of the Sundarbans mangrove region.

Cultural Integrity as a Criterion of SEA

Environmental evaluation procedures like SEA have become a key component in development planning and decision making. With the aim to anticipate and mitigate its possible effects, the necessity for a better understanding of the environmental consequences created by the implementation of policies, plans and strategic actions has been recognized. The knowledge of environmental mechanisms has been developed gradually, through wide participation of stakeholders and the consideration of new evaluation criteria such as cultural impacts.

Acacia spp.: Invasive Trees Along the Brunei Coast, Borneo

This chapter reports the results of a study of Acacia Mangium and Acacia Auricaliformis, which are exotic plantation tree species from Australia that have invaded, and spread within, natural habitats in Brunei Darussalam. There are four types of Acacia trees that are spreading in Brunei, mostly within the coastal areas, the deep forest areas as well as in the urban areas in the country’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. This study looks into the presently occupied land areas, vegetation cover, land use and landscape changing patterns in the coastal forest areas in Brunei. By clarifying patterns of variation in demographic parameters and hence population growth it is possible to form a connection between qualitative field data, theoretical ideas about invasiveness and rate of spread. The results show that the present growth and expansion rate of the Acacia plant species is alarming for the primary forest as well as for the forest ecology and ecosystems in the coastal forest areas in Brunei. This study makes use of both primary and secondary data sources. The objective of this chapter is to understand the changing patterns of forest vegetation, such as primary forest to secondary forest, and the forest ecosystem in coastal Brunei. Based on this study’s findings some applied recommendations have been proposed for the better distribution of the Acacia plant species and maintenance of rainforest vegetation in Brunei.

Invasive Species in the Sundarbans Coastal Zone (Bangladesh) in Times of Climate Change: Chances and Threats

The Sundarbans mangrove forests, wetlands and their native as well as invasive plant species are lying within the Bangladesh coastal region, which is gifted with vast natural resources, a delta, tidal flat, mangrove forests, marches, lagoons, bars, spilt, estuaries and coastal ecological environment. These habitats, biotopes and ecosystems also serve as habitat for especially four dominant tree species of the Sundarbans, the Sundri (Heritiera fomes), Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha), (Ceriops decandra) and (Sonneratia apetala). But the existence of these and many more native species is endangered. The Sundarbans species are threatened by various natural and anthropogenic pressures including climate change. So the native species are approximately decreasing significantly by the year 2100 due to sea level rise (88 cm) in the Sundarbans area compared to the year 2001.There 23 invasive species, which belong to 18 families and 23 genera. These species are highly invasive, six species are moderately invasive and the remaining are potentially invasive. From the 23 invasive species only four are exotic or alien. The disturbances may arrest succession at any stage and contribute to the biological invasion of invasive plants. The within these biodiversity hotspots and vast natural or coastal water resources lying potential for communities survival and 36.8 million dependent people are some of the strongly pending managing demands next to existing Natural World Heritage Sites’ already existing protective management support to be discussed in this chapter. As with the coastal natural resources drastically reduction due to unplanned use by community and stakeholders, also the Sundarbans mangrove forests, wetlands and their species are vastly affected through these developments and the most important observation for vulnerability aspects and maximum possible amplitudes is coming up, which has been investigated in within this research and chapter. Also the present situation stated that an integrated natural resource management plan is necessary for the protection of the mangrove coastal ecosystem.

Assessment and Management Strategies of Mangrove Forests Alongside the Mangsalut River Basin (Brunei Darussalam, on the Island of Borneo)

The benefits derived from mangrove forest wetland ecosystems are garnering increasing attention in coastal ecological research and mangrove forest management planning. However, because of their location, climate change issues, land use, and landscapes, coastal mangroves are vulnerable and suffer varying levels of stress and disturbance. There is often a variable and uncertain relationship between vulnerability and ecosystem structure and functional services. Degradation and vulnerability assessment and analysis can provide strategic planning initiatives with valuable insight into the processes of functional change resulting from management intervention. The study was conducted on the mangrove management and degradation situation in Brunei Darussalam. The mangrove forest covers about 4% of the country land area and has been recognized as one of the virgin management zones in the Asia Pacific region, but the present status and climate change impacts are degrading the coastal mangrove ecosystem. In addition, urbanization, settlement development, and industrial development contribute to the degradation. This study seeks the strategic management plan for the protection of coastal mangrove wetlands ecosystem in Brunei Darussalam.

Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests and Wetland Ecosystems in the Sundarbans Natural World Heritage Site (Bangladesh)

The Sundarbans Natural World Heritage Site is lying within the Bangladesh coastal region, which is gifted with vast natural resources, a delta, tidal flat, mangrove forests, marches, lagoons, bars, spilt, estuaries and coastal ecological environment. These habitats, biotopes and ecosystems also serve as potential resources for anthropogenic communities: 36.8 million people are living within the coastal region of Bangladesh and being dependent on coastal water resources, for which the Sundarbans Natural World Heritage Site is giving some protective management support. Nevertheless the natural coastal resources are drastically reducing due to unplanned use by the community and the stakeholders, although the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Rivers are carrying 6 million m3/s water. As a result, the Sundarbans mangrove forests and wetlands are vastly affected through these developments. The present situation demands that an integrated natural resource management plan is necessary for the protection of the mangrove coastal ecosystem. This chapter was prepared based on primary and secondary data sources, as the objectives were to analyze the present coastal mangrove natural resources management status. The study investigates the deltaic Sundarbans natural world heritage site with its mangrove forests and wetlands ecosystem development and management strategies to ensure less vulnerability and a sustainable development of coastal mangrove resources in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Rivers deltaic coastal floodplain region of Bangladesh.