Biodiversity of the Sundarbans

Biodiversity of the Sundarbans
Author: Jayanta Kumar Mallick
Publisher: Ethics International Press
Total Pages: 357
Release: 2023-11-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1804411027

This book brings together 45 years’ worth of experience-derived information about more than 7,000 micro- and macro- species, which form the unique bio-diversity of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, as it struggles against the natural and anthropogenic threats. Up to 1770, the estimated area of Sundarbans was around 36,000 km2, but has reduced over time to 25,000 km2, due to reclamation. This loss and the related degradation of habitats has caused historical species extinction and population decline. Whereas biodiversity conservation within and beyond the protected areas has been the watchword since the 1990s (“biodiversity, aesthetic values and integrity”), the initial two hundred years of imperial and post-colonial forest management focused primarily on revenue and production forestry, to the detriment of the ecology of the area. It will be of interest to researchers, in zoology, botany, ecology and conservation, as well as professionals, such as foresters, environmentalists, conservationists, resource managers, planners, government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs and naturalists.

Algal Flora of Sundarbans Mangals

Algal Flora of Sundarbans Mangals
Author: Neera Sen
Publisher: Daya Books
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2003
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9788170352860

The mangrove ecosystem in Indian Sundarbans has great role in the estuarine fish production and sustenance of large number of aquatic, amphibious and terrestrial forms of living organisms; this is because an ideal mangrove habitat releases more than 6,000 tons litter (on dry weight basis per hectare per annum) and this huge volume of organic matter after mineralisation or after complete decomposition releases nutrients to the estuarine, in shore and off shore water and the soil phases, as well. As such, the soil and water in the estuaries and delta regions dominated with dense mangrove vegetation are considered as one of the most nutrient rich and productive areas among the tropical forest zones. The Sundarbans, dominated with large number of mangrove associated and major and minor mangle species along with vast number of aqua-terrestrial mangrove habitat faunal assemblage are categorized as the World Heritage Site , by IUCN and UNESCO (1984). It is worth mentioning that the uniqueness of the mangrove ecosystem along with its rich productive nature is governed mostly by large number of micro- and macro-organisms but the algae play a very dominant role as primary producer group of organisms both in the aquatic as well as the terrestrial habitats. In this mangrove habitat the algal species in the form of planktonic, benthic and periphytic green vegetation were overlooked and less mentioned for its small to tiny structures and ocassionally invisible to open eyes, but their impact and importance are very interacting, important and high scientific value to investigate. These algal species in the salt dominated estuarine water of delta forest lands are somehow different in their identity from fresh water species but have played the most important role by trapping the solar energy and inorganic substances of the sea water and salty soil, consequently transforming them into important food for the consumer group of aqua - terrestrial fauna of this estuarine - delta sea land interphase zone. For all these reasons it is important to collect and identify the different algal flora of this less explored mangrove habitats of Indian Sundarbans and finding out their direct and indirect use as fish food and the enhancement of fishery activities for enrichment in knowledge of science and identifying their impact on fishery development is imperative. Taking, these propositions as priority areas exploration, identification and estimation of the nutrient value of dominant algal flora of Sundarbans have been carried out and based on the field and laboratory studies the collected information and data are highlighted in the book. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 2: Geology and Geography of Indian Sundarbans, Chapter 3: Factors Governing Habitats of Algae, Chapter 4: Phycological Studies: India and Bangladesh, Chapter 5: Field and Laboratory Methodologies for the Investigations of Algae, Chapter 6: Taxonomy and Morphology, Chapter 7: Ecology, Chapter 8: Applied Phycology.

Impacts of Invasive Species on Coastal Environments

Impacts of Invasive Species on Coastal Environments
Author: Christopher Makowski
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 484
Release: 2018-07-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319913824

This book focuses on the global threats to coastal environments from invasive, non-native species and examines how these alien biological species adversely alter landscapes and socioeconomic conditions as well as the psychological attitudes and perceptions of local inhabitants and tourists. Designed for the professional or specialist in marine science, coastal zone management, biology, and related disciplines, this volume appeals to those not only working directly with invasive flora and fauna species, but also those individuals involved in a wide array of coastal related fields. Examples and case studies of coastal invasive species are drawn from many different geographic areas worldwide, including North and South America, Europe, Oceania, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

The Sundarbans: A Disaster-Prone Eco-Region

The Sundarbans: A Disaster-Prone Eco-Region
Author: H.S. Sen
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 652
Release: 2019-02-04
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030006808

This book explores the Sundarbans eco-region from a trans-boundary perspective, examining the cross-country interaction that helps planners to develop more efficient coastal zone planning for the delta. The dynamic ecosystem of the Sundarbans is considered the largest coastal delta in the world. It is located in the Bay of Bengal and spans across Bangladesh and West Bengal (India). Featuring chapters by experts from a range of fields, it addresses (i) risk factor analyses, and the geohydrological, climatic, natural, socio-economic, and anthropological factors related to the Sundarbans; (ii) strategies for sustainability in natural resource management in trans-boundary Sundarbans, cutting across political boundaries; (iii) improved agriculture, fisheries, and forestry practices and their impacts on the socio-economy for livelihood security; and (iv) a future road map for improvements. This book will be of value to those working in academia, as well as to experts and professionals in coastal zone planning and management.

Ecosystem Services for Well-Being in Deltas

Ecosystem Services for Well-Being in Deltas
Author: Robert J. Nicholls
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 615
Release: 2018-05-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319710931

This book answers key questions about environment, people and their shared future in deltas. It develops a systematic and holistic approach for policy-orientated analysis for the future of these regions. It does so by focusing on ecosystem services in the world’s largest, most populous and most iconic delta region, that of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh. The book covers the conceptual basis, research approaches and challenges, while also providing a methodology for integration across multiple disciplines, offering a potential prototype for assessments of deltas worldwide. Ecosystem Services for Well-Being in Deltas analyses changing ecosystem services in deltas; the health and well-being of people reliant on them; the continued central role of agriculture and fishing; and the implications of aquaculture in such environments.The analysis is brought together in an integrated and accessible way to examine the future of the Ganges Brahmaputra delta based on a near decade of research by a team of the world’s leading scientists on deltas and their human and environmental dimensions. This book is essential reading for students and academics within the fields of Environmental Geography, Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy focused on solving the world’s most critical challenges of balancing humans with their environments. This book is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Coping with Climate Change in the Sundarbans

Coping with Climate Change in the Sundarbans
Author: Susmita Dasgupta
Publisher: World Bank Publications
Total Pages: 103
Release: 2020-12-22
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1464815879

Climate change poses serious threats to inclusive economic progress and poverty reduction. Strong countermeasures are required to increase the capacity of low-income people to mitigate their risk exposure to the impacts of climate change. Central pillars in planning for sustainable development and poverty alleviation must include vulnerability assessments, appropriate adaptation measures, and resilience-smart investments. This means placing climate change adaptation and resilience at the center of overall development policy. Coping with Climate Change in the Sundarbans contributes to this effort by synthesizing multiyear, multidisciplinary climate change studies on the Sundarbans—the world’s largest remaining contiguous mangrove forest and wetland of international importance, as well as home to some of South Asia’s poorest and most vulnerable communities. The studies’ findings indicate that, in a changing climate, sea-level rise, storm-surge intensification, and water salinization will alter the Sundarbans ecosystem significantly. The ripple effect of these changes will have multifaceted adverse impacts on the nature-dependent livelihoods, health, and nutrition of nearby communities. Elevated health risks, reduced land and labor productivity, and increased exposure to storms, floods, droughts, and other extreme events will make escape from poverty more difficult. Families in the Sundarbans are on the front line of these changes. Their experience and adaptation signal future decisions by hundreds of millions of families worldwide who will face similar threats from progressive sea-level rise. This research lays the technical foundation for developing a better understanding of the changes the Sundarbans currently faces, including responses of the ecosystem and human communities. Based on field research, location-specific, resilience-smart adaptation measures are recommended for reducing climate change vulnerability. Beyond the Sundarbans, the studies’ methods and findings will be of interest to development practitioners, policy makers, and researchers focused on island nations and countries worldwide that feature high-density populations and economic activity in low-lying coastal regions vulnerable to sea-level rise.