Google Translate
WWF Case Study: Integrated Resource Development of the Sundarbans Reserved Forest
Summary:
The Sundarbans Reserved Forest (SRF) is the largest single forest resource in Bangladesh, covering approximately 6 000 km2 of mangroves and representing 51% of the country's total reserved forest estate.Since the area was gazetted as a reserved forest, concern has been expressed regarding the quantity of timber and other resources it provides.It was clear that action was needed to analyse the ecosystem and to devise ways to reform the management system in order to ensure the sustainable utilization of resources and a more equitable sharing of benefits.
Adaptation Experience:
It was proposed that mangrove ecosystem studies and socio-economic research be undertaken to examine the entire SRF and its terrestrial and aquatic resources. The goal was to determine strategies for optimal exploitation of the forest resources without disturbing the ecological balance. Advice was required on ways to help meet the escalating demand for land, timber, fuelwood, protein, housing materials and raw materials for large industries and the needs of numerous cottage industries located in the densely populated border zone by adopting an integrated systems approach.
Three main objectives were defined:
a monitoring system for the Sundarbans ecosystem, focusing on spatial and temporal changes and the effect of different treatments on the long-term sustainable management of the system;
a plan for integrated resources management designed to enhance the supply of wood and non-wood products, to conserve and manage aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources, to study the potential for mobilizing and assisting people in participatory income- and employment-generating activities in the area, with particular focus on disadvantaged groups, to develop tourism and recreation and to enhance the protective role of forests against cyclones, soil erosion and tidal surges;
an enhanced institutional framework to facilitate the integrated management of the Sundarbans through interdepartmental coordination, augmenting the capability of the staff and providing improved physical facilities.
Results and Learning:
The main conclusions confirmed that, under existing legislation, the SRF mangrove system must be administered by the FD, but stressed the need to improve revenue systems, to keep accurate records of accounts, to introduce more equitable harvesting systems and to consider socio-economic factors. Integrated management must be introduced to take account of all terrestrial and aquatic resources by sharing research, monitoring and management functions with the other agencies concerned.
Sustainability:
The project's findings produced a better understanding of the SRF resource base and the real socio-economic needs of multiple interests. Further work needs to be carried out in the follow-up and implementation phase, but direction could be lost and many achievements dissipated if finance and institutional arrangements to maintain continuity are not forthcoming. Since the value of the mangrove ecosystem is of global significance, the findings of the project should be made widely available to the public.
Replication:
n/a
Image(s):
