Sundarban mangroves: diversity, ecosystem services and climate change impacts

Climate change poses severe threats to the Sundarbans mangroves, including salinity intrusion, increased cyclones, and erratic rainfall and temperature patterns, which are already disrupting livelihoods and exacerbating social vulnerabilities. This study systematically reviews the biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and services of the Sundarbans mangroves in relation to climatic variations, highlighting their critical role in carbon sequestration, sediment trapping, nutrient recycling, and supporting rich biodiversity through detritus-based food webs. The research underscores the urgent need for high-resolution scientific data to identify multidimensional vulnerabilities and integrate conservation strategies with climate change adaptation, including promoting alternative livelihoods. Interdisciplinary approaches are essential to mitigate future climatic disasters and protect the invaluable ecosystem services provided by this unique coastal wetland.

Neogi, S. B., Dey, M., Kabir, S. M. L., Masum, S. J. H., Kopprio, G., Yamasaki, S., & Lara, R. (2017). Sundarban mangroves: diversity, ecosystem services and climate change impacts. Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 2(4), 488–507. https://doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v2i4.30988