![Sample our Environment & Sustainability journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5935/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Sustainability.jpg"})
The Bangladesh Sundarbans region is a difficult place to live and the region will become increasingly inhospitable over time. Sea level rise, cyclonic storms, and embankment failures are constant hazards and the biodiversity of the mangrove forest is being reduced. In addition, increased waterlogging and soil and water salinization pose serious threats to agriculture, a livelihood option for a majority of residents. Research was undertaken to answer the following question: what strategy could the Government of Bangladesh consider in order to enhance the security of inhabitants of the Bangladesh “Sundarbans Impact Zone (SIZ)” and conserve the biodiversity of the Sundarbans mangrove forest? The proposed strategy, which was based on data and analyses from a team of social and natural scientists and engineers, includes two central elements: incentives to encourage migration out of the SIZ successfully and measures to reduce dangers from natural hazards for inhabitants who choose to remain. In addition, the strategy includes measures to conserve biodiversity and actions to strengthen government agencies operating in the Sundarbans so that other elements of the strategy can be implemented effectively.
Acknowledgements
The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Leonard Ortolano’s contribution to this publication was as a paid consultant to The World Bank and was not part of his Stanford University duties or responsibilities.
Many thanks are due to members of the study to team. In addition to the authors, the core team included: Jack Ruitenbeek, John Pethick, Dan Biller, Cecilia Belita, Ghazal Dezfuli, Nadia Sharmin. Javaid Afzal, Santiago Enriquez, Rahul Kanakia, Marie Florence Elvie, M. Khaliquzzaman and Janet Bably Halder. The extended team included: Bjorn Larsen, Elena Golub, Peter Webster, Luis Alberto Andres, Samuel Taffesse, Stefania B. Abakerli, Tapas Paul, Anna C. O'Donnell, Snehashish Raichowdhury, Jeffrey Lewis, Comfort Olatunji, Quentin Wodon, Malcolm Jansen, Anupam Joshi, Siet Meijer, and specialists from IUCN, CGIS and IWM. In addition, a household survey was implemented by the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.