A people-centered approach to counter ecosystem degradation and support restoration

A people-centered approach is critical to countering ecosystem degradation and supporting restoration efforts, particularly in globally significant yet fragile ecosystems like the Sundarbans mangrove forest. This PhD thesis highlights that local perceptions of landscape values—such as material (e.g., fishing, medicinal plants) and non-material (e.g., aesthetic, spiritual)—shape place identity, attachment, and dependence among communities. It identifies overharvesting and mangrove loss as primary drivers of degradation, while strong patrolling emerges as a key restoration measure. Spatial analysis reveals that threats like extreme weather and economic pressures disproportionately affect forest-dependent groups, who exhibit higher engagement with landscape values. The study also links human-nature connections (HNCs) to successful restoration, drawing parallels between the Sundarbans and the European Union's Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR). These insights underscore the importance of integrating social-ecological dynamics into conservation strategies to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Polas, Md. Abul Bashar. (2026). A people-centered approach to counter ecosystem degradation and support restoration. KOBRA Universität Kassel. https://doi.org/10.17170/KOBRA-2026022711964