50 Conservation Action and Research for Coastal Areas The huge mangrove forest of the coastal zone is one of the most unique biodiversity-rich forests in the world. The Sundarbans consists of 64 plant species and these mangrove species have the capacity to withstand estuarine conditions and saline inundation during tidal effects. Heritiera fomes, Excoecaria agallocha, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Xylocarpus mekongensis, Rhizophora spp., and Ceriops decandra are particularly important among those species. The major birds found in this region are open-bill storks, black-headed ibis, water hens, coots, pheasant-tailed jacanas and pariah kites. Some of the fish and amphibians found in the park are sawfish, butter fish, electric rays, silver carp, star fish, common carp, king crabs, prawn, shrimps, genetics dolphins, skipping frogs, common toads and tree frogs. The Sundarbans National Park houses an excellent number of reptiles as well, including estuarine crocodiles, chameleons, water monitors, hard-shelled batgun terrapins, mouse geckos, monitor lizards, and Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, turtles (Olive Ridley, hawksbill, and green turtles), and snakes (pythons, King Cobras, rat snakes, Russell’s vipers, dog-faced water snakes, chequered killbacks, and Common Kraits). Some endangered species of the Sundarbans include Royal Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, river terrapin, Olive Ridley turtle, Gangetic dolphin, ground turtle, hawksbill turtle, and king crabs. Though there is tough protection in the park there are a few loopholes that poachers and others can take advantage of. The park’s topography, with hostile terrain crisscrossed by several rivers and their distributaries and a long international border with India, as well as the fishing trawlers and launches nearby help provide access to those interested in poaching or cutting wood and this also affects the mangrove forests. Lack of staff, infrastructure and funding also influences the situation. Vulnerabilities in the coastal zone are increasing with accentuations of natural hasards caused by environmental degradation, climate change and human activities, as well as the exploitation of mangrove. It has already affected Bangladesh through land erosion, salinity intrusion and a loss of biodiversity. In the future, its potential threats will be even greater. Due to climate change effects, the incidences of tropical storms and tidal surges have already increased along the coastal belts of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Cyclones such as Sidr, Aila and Nargis are typical examples of incidences that have caused significant damage or loss of life and property in coastal zones. It is therefore essential to manage and conserve the mangrove forests. Khulna University, a partner in the RCE Greater Dhaka network, started doing research that found illegal logging and poaching of rare animals – especially the Bengal tigers and saltwater crocodiles – as well as the destruction of the largest mangrove forests. It helped the Government of Bangladesh to impose stringent measures by increasing patrols, coast guards and punishments for illegal activities. The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology has been working on the management of red-listed flora and the wetlands of Hakalooki Haor and Tangoir Haor. They developed awareness programmes for the local community and NGOs against poaching of migratory birds and their safe stay in the Haors. A seminar on education for sustainable development (ESD) was organised on the behavioural study of rural villagers, in which a six-member delegation headed by Professor Koji Matsuoka from Kobe University, Japan and Kiichi Oyasu, Head of UNESCO Dhaka Office, participated. They shared their experience and emphasised the importance of ESD and learning from social and traditional cultures in the perspective of social development and enrichment of biodiversity. Ecosystem Servi ces and Sustainable Use The city of Dhaka 5
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity
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