Paradigm shift in the management of the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh: Issues and challenges

A paradigm shift towards community co-management is essential for the protection and conservation of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, the world's largest continuous mangrove ecosystem. This study synthesizes 240 years of management interventions in Bangladesh, categorizing them into four distinct periods: conversion for agriculture (1780-1875), timber production and theft control (1876-1951), inventory-based management (1952-1992), and integrated co-management with overlapping projects (1993-2020). While local community involvement has become a cornerstone of modern conservation efforts, significant challenges persist, including resource over-exploitation, vegetation changes, habitat degradation, invasive species, poaching, salinity, extreme weather events, uncontrolled tourism, and pollution. These dynamic issues require strategic attention to ensure the long-term sustainability of this globally significant ecosystem.

Mahmood, H., Ahmed, M., Islam, T., Uddin, M. Z., Ahmed, Z. U., & Saha, C. (2021). Paradigm shift in the management of the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh: Issues and challenges. Trees, Forests and People, 5, 100094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2021.100094