Value of Mangroves In Coastal Protection In Bangladesh

Presented By: Akil Hossain B. Sc In Environmental Science Discipline Khulna University

 Mangroves are a diverse group of unrelated trees, palms, shrubs, vines and ferns that share a common ability to live in waterlogged saline soils subjected to regular flooding. They are highly specialized plants that have developed unusual adaptations to the unique environmental conditions in which they are found. There are around 80 species of mangroves found throughout the world. Most commonly they occur within tropical and subtropical sheltered

coastal areas subjected to tidal influences.

Mangroves can be divided into two distinct groups:

Exclusive mangroves The largest group, comprising around 60 species (Saenger et al., 1983) These mangroves are confined to intertidal areas and have not been found

to exist within any other type of vegetation community

Non-exclusive mangroves Comprising around 20 plant species These plants are not restricted to the typical mangrove environment and are often found within drier, more terrestrial areas

 Mangroves are found along estuaries and marine shorelines High tide and low tide are the common phenomena Mangrove roots provide an oyster habitat and slow water flow, thereby enhancing sediment deposition in this areas Due to the high salinity and frequent tidal inundation mangrove tree species show distinct zonation

 Adaptations to low oxygen

Limiting salt intake

Limiting water loss

Nutrient uptake

Increasing survival of offspring

Problem Identification
The coast of Bangladesh is known as a zone of vulnerabilities as well as opportunities. It is prone to natural disasters like cyclone, storm surge and

flood. The combination of natural and man-made hazards such as erosion,

high arsenic content in ground water, water logging, earthquake, water and soil salinity, various forms of pollution, risks from climate change, etc, have adversely affected lives and livelihoods in the coastal zone and slowed down the pace of social and economic developments in this region.

Nature of Coastal Disasters in Bangladesh

The entire coastal zone is prone to violent storm and tropical cyclones during pre monsoon and post monsoon season. The cyclone accompanied with torrential rain and devastating tidal surge causes havoc to lives and property in the cyclone path, and the environment in the affected area.

Causes of Coastal Vulnerabilities

The poverty monitoring survey of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) summarized crises in following categories. Are-

a. Human factor i.e. sudden death of the main income earner, large medical expenses
due to illness, crop loss, social conflict etc. b. Natural disaster like cyclone, tidal surge, water logging, erosion, salinity intrusion, etc c. Governance i.e. deterioration of law and order situation (dacoity, money extortion, abduction, snatching, death threat, case expenditure, occupying of govt. khas land, natural resource base e.g. destruction of mangroves, overexploitation of natural resources etc (PDOICZMP, 2003).

The above figure reveals that the coastal human ecosystem is greatly threatened by human factors and ill governance that creates imbalances in productivity and in the distribution of goods and services.

Source: PDOICZMP, 2003

Cyclone and Coastal Vulnerabilities

The entire coastal zone is prone to violent storm and tropical cyclones during
pre monsoon and post monsoon season. Sometimes cyclone associated with tidal waves caused great loss of lives and property.

Source: ICZM-2003

COASTAL PROTECTION
Mangroves as Bio-shield: Evidence from around the world Research and experience have shown that forest ecosystems reducing the physical exposure of natural hazards and providing people with the livelihood resources to withstand and recover from crises Mangrove Forests Saved Lives In Tsunami Disaster Mangroves can absorb 70-90 percent of the energy of a normal wave, even though reliable figures for tsunamis are not available.

Foreshore Protection
Acting as a natural buffer to water erosion from both the land and the sea. By creating a physical barrier Slowing water movement from the land Trapping sediments Reduce erosion along estuaries and creeks Dampen storm surge and tropical periodic cyclones

Intertidal/Muddy Coast
This type of coast is characterized by fine-grained sedimentary deposits, predominantly silt and clay that come from rivers; it can be classified as a soft coast. It has a broad gentle seaward slope, known as an intertidal mud flat where mangrove forest, saltmarshes, shrubs and other trees are found. Most erosion is generated by river damming that reduces sediment supply, diminishes vegetation cover (usually mangroves and saltmarshes) and exposes vegetation roots by lowering the mud flat that leads to their final collapse.

Scientific findings on the protective functions of coastal forests and trees

Scientific investigations on how coastal vegetation provides a measure of shoreline protection have been show that mangrove forest and other coastal vegetation of certain density can reduce wave height considerably and protect the coast from erosion, as well as effectively prevent coastal sand dune movement during strong winds. Healthy coastal forests such as mangroves and salt marshes can serve as a coastal defense system where they grow in equilibrium with erosion and accretion processes generated by waves, winds and other natural actions.

Maintaining ecological balance of the nature

By photosynthesis, supply nutrients and oxygen to animals and plants in the ecosystem. link up the ecosystems of the land and sea. Every hectare of mangroves can feed 12 tonnes of living things including insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates and various aquatic microorganisms. Foraging and living places for wildlife Reducing water pollution

keeping the fishery yields in coastal and offshore areas.

Acts as a sight-seeing route of eco-tours, and brings financial incentives to the community.

 Almost all the forest area is now under shrimp farms. Oil spills from the international ships, mechanize trawlers, and water vessels passing through the Sundarbans. Encroachment and illicit removal of timber and fuel wood is increasing Marginal lands, with about half of the forestlands being cultivated or occupied.

Salt Pans have been set up within the forest areas because of lesser tide inundation and thus vegetation is getting destroyed

Rising sea level threatens to inundate low-lying areas and offshore islands in the country's coastal belt

Possible management scenarios

Public awareness and education about the mangrove forests may help protect them. It is necessary to involve local communities in managing and protecting their mangroves. Designated conservation areas may also save some of the forests.

Proposals/ actions need to be taken to avert future natural disasters

Action has to be taken for reforestation, restoration and development of the mangroves. Public education campaign is to be conducted to make local communities, the tourism industry and other sectors aware of the importance of mangroves. Periodic mapping of Sunderbans mangrove forests has to be carried out using the Remote Sensing and GIS technology to monitor the changes in the ecosystem.

Social forestry can be useful for eco-restoration of mangrove vegetation through creation
of employment opportunities

Any Question?

Contact:
S.M. Samkeyat Shohan Phone Call: +8801672048125 Email: shohan_es08@yahoo.com Akil Hossain Phone Call: +8801738383863 Email: akil_08es@yahoo.com