Sundarban plays an important role in the economy of the southwestern region of Bangladesh as well as in the national economy. It is the single largest source of forest produce in the country. The forest provides raw material for wood based industries. In addition to traditional forest produce like timber, fuelwood, pulpwood etc., large scale harvest of non wood forest products such as thatching materials, honey, wax, fish and other aquatic resources of the forest takes place regularly.
The forest also has immense protective and productive functions. Besides production functions of the forest, it provides natural protection to life and properties of the coastal population in cyclone prone Bangladesh. The Sundarban provides vital natural protection from cyclones for the inland areas and acts as natural shields against cyclones. 2007 cyclone Sidr formed in the Bay of Bengal was devastating in terms of its magnitude; Sundarban itself bore crucial shock and contributed to lowering the damage.
The beauty, majesty, and timelessness of a mangrove forest like Sundarban are indescribable. This mangrove forest is a swampy habitat of varying salinity, mangrove composition, large predators on land and in water and hundreds of other flora and fauna. Majestic tiger, charming deer, enormous crocodiles, sneaky monkeys, numerous species of birds and disparate vegetation have made this diversity rare in the world. With these flourishing and endangered species, Sundarban is indeed a treasure island of biodiversity.
The Sundarban-area is the principal remaining domains of the endangered Bengal tiger in Bangladesh territory. Named after the flourishing growth of the Sundari tree, Sundarban is inundated twice a day by sea water. The land is constantly being changed, molded and shaped by tidal force. Mangroves withstand salinity and fluctuating water level with exposed upright 'breathing roots' or in Bengali 'swash mul' or 'shula.' Land, tree and aquatic life forms sustain on these roots' excretion and other decomposed bodies. Trees also support numerous species of parasites such as creeper, orchids and fungi.
Sundarban is dynamic, fragile and complex ecosystem, with delicate balance of land and water. Manmade activities, like over exploiting of resources, it is indiscriminately being exploited for timber, fuel wood, pulpwood as well as other no-wood products including honey and fishes. It is good habitat for offshore fisheries, offers natural coastal protection, highly valuable forest resources, tourism and recreational spot. But a rapid degradation of equilibrium in the Sundarban, top-dying of trees, saline water intrusion, killing of wildlife, inadequate reforestation and lack of efficient conservation have made this unique forest susceptible to unsustainable activities.
Forests are so important and vital for human existence on earth. Adequate coverage of the forests is a vital tool to fight back climate change consequences and the desertification. Also, forests support biodiversity, they are the home of millions of flora and fauna and the means of livelihood of the millions and the source of the valuable medicinal plants.
Bangladesh, being a developing country and with limited resource, is pursuing environmental lucidity. It has enacted several laws and acts for conservation of environment. Government's Department of Environment (DoE) is being strengthened to adequately deal with environmental management and sustainable use of natural resources. World Environment Day is going to be observed in Bangladesh along with other nations of the world on 5 June. In observance of the day, The Ministry of Environment and Forests and DoE have chalked out elaborate programs to mark the day. On the eve of the day, let us pledge to protect the Sundarban. We must now act to stop poaching of animals especially the deer and the tigers, cutting of trees and all unauthorized human activity that are taking place. Government should be much more vigilant in protecting Sundarban as well as other forests in the country and should take massive programs to increasing the forest cover towards maintaining an ecological balance.
There is a ray of hope that a massive project has been taken up to save Sundarban. It is hoped that under the project alternative source of income would be arranged for 10 lakh people who are dependent on the forest for their livelihood, with a view to protecting the world's largest mangrove forest. Ministry of Environment and Forests and European Union will implement the 5-year project titled Sunderban. Forest Department would be strengthened with modern equipment and training for officials. The fishermen, woodcutters, honey, golpata and crab collectors would be given financial assistance to involve them in other businesses including fish farming, running small business, cottage industry, sewing and tourism industry for reducing pressure on the forest.
Every year during observance of the day, UNEP highlight a particular environmental conundrum to creating awareness on that particular issue and on conserving our nature and natural resources in general. UNEP is one of the driving forces through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political and governmental attention and action. The theme also supports the UN International Year of Forests. Hence, on the whole, everyday is supposed to be WED and Earth Day in the context of present day gloomy scenario of not doing enough, but saying a lot.
If we continue to deplete our natural forests and exploit those in a record rate, the cost would compel humans to live in barren lands full of deserts and droughts. There will be no clearer stream, green trees and the animals and birds. The global warming will get its own way to fall upon us as nature has started avenging
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