core sector communique

Studies to integrate conservation, climate change adaptation and sustainable Development for the Sundarbans Area

 

The Sundarbans forest, the largest single mangrove ecosystem in the world, lies within both Bangladesh and India, with about 60 percent of the eco-region within Bangladesh. The people in surrounding areas of Sunderban what is known as Sundarbans’ Impact Zone (SIZ) are poor. The SIZ lags behind from achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). About 1.2 million of people’s livelihood depends on extraction of the Sundarbans’ resources, though settlement within the forest is prohibited. The area of the Bangladesh Sundarbans is roughly 6017 sq. km, of which roughly 1874 sq. km is water area. Only 1400 sq. km of the total Sundarbans forest is declared as Protected Area.

The World Bank in response to Government’s request will provide Non Lending Technical Assistance to support the preparation of various studies which will enable the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) to develop a program that integrates prioritized interventions to address the region’s main conservation and development challenges: (i) poverty reduction, (ii) climate change adaptation, and (iii) biodiversity conservation.

The updated poverty map of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) shows that at least 48% of the population of the upazilas surrounding the Sundarbans is below the “upper poverty line.” In the Satkhira district, the population below the upper poverty line is at least 60%. The low income levels in the region -- together with poor transport systems and challenges in providing access to incomes, livelihood, education and health – have contributed to the difficulties of daily life in the SIZ. For their survival, many local people are left with no choice but to unsustainably exploit Sundarbans Reserved Forest for timber, fish, shrimp seed, and other forest produce.

Sea level rise associated with climate change and extreme weather events compound the development challenges of the Sundarbans area. Natural subsidence occurs in the area as a result of complex hydrological and soil processes. In addition, the Sundarbans area is subject to recurrent cyclonic storms and floods. Available climate change models suggest that the intensity of cyclonic storms will increase over the coming decades, threatening the existence of the Sundarbans area.

A technical team from World Bank had visited Bangladesh in March 2010 to discuss the draft concept note for the technical assistance. The World Bank will only extend technical assistance, no loan will be provided at this stage. The Concept note was earlier prepared based on the consultation with the government agencies, development partners and research institutions involved in Sundarbans areas.

The technical assistance will focus on socio-economic development for poverty reduction in the Sundarbans Impact Zone and ensure biodiversity conservation & environmental sustainability in the Sundarbans Reserved Forest. The study will include Demographic & Gender Studies; Socio-economic Development; Biodiversity Conservation & Environmental Management; Climate Change Adaptation; and Institutional Analysis. The studies will take into consideration of existing programs, studies and information available. The studies are expected to be completed by September, 2011.