Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework

Mangrove forests provide vital ecosystem services to communities in tropical countries, yet they are susceptible to degradation. The causes and effects of mangrove forest degradation in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to explore these issues from...

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Main Authors: Khandkar- Siddikur Rahman, Nabila Hasan Dana, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Himaddri Shekher Mondal, Luzhen Chen, Md Nazrul Islam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-03-01
Series:Trees, Forests and People
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324002759
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author Khandkar- Siddikur Rahman
Nabila Hasan Dana
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
Himaddri Shekher Mondal
Luzhen Chen
Md Nazrul Islam
author_facet Khandkar- Siddikur Rahman
Nabila Hasan Dana
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
Himaddri Shekher Mondal
Luzhen Chen
Md Nazrul Islam
author_sort Khandkar- Siddikur Rahman
collection DOAJ
description Mangrove forests provide vital ecosystem services to communities in tropical countries, yet they are susceptible to degradation. The causes and effects of mangrove forest degradation in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to explore these issues from the perspective of mangrove resource collectors (MRCs). Utilizing the DPSIR (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, and Response) framework, data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with MRCs. The findings revealed that the drivers of mangrove degradation included reduced freshwater supply, increased demand for mangrove resources, climate change, and tourism. These drivers created pressures on the mangrove forests, manifesting through natural disasters, rising salinity levels, the establishment of the Farakka barrage, forest fires, coastal development, overexploitation, and pollution. Consequently, the forests experienced alterations in cover, a decline in mature trees, reduced stem density, and changes in species composition. The impacts of this degradation included biodiversity loss, diminished ecosystem services, and adverse effects on the livelihoods of communities dependent on mangroves. MRCs highlighted the necessity for support in generating alternative incomes, restoring freshwater supply, addressing the Farakka barrage issue collaboratively, enhancing forest management practices, and promoting mangrove afforestation and reforestation. These findings carry significant implications for policy reform, research, sustainable management, and conservation efforts for mangrove forests. They also underscore the need for developing alternative livelihood programs for communities living around the Sundarbans and other tropical regions facing similar challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-33cc10f4b4f84a2d83a26c3229f164902025-08-20T02:00:33ZengElsevierTrees, Forests and People2666-71932025-03-011910076910.1016/j.tfp.2024.100769Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR frameworkKhandkar- Siddikur Rahman0Nabila Hasan Dana1Mohammad Mizanur Rahman2Himaddri Shekher Mondal3Luzhen Chen4Md Nazrul Islam5Nature Navigators, Manikganj, 1800, Bangladesh; Corresponding author at: Nature Navigators, Manikganj-1800, Bangladesh.Nature Navigators, Manikganj, 1800, BangladeshDepartment of Urban & Regional Planning, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, BangladeshKhulna University, Khulna, 9208, BangladeshKey Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, ChinaForestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh; Corresponding author at: Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna – 9208, Bangladesh.Mangrove forests provide vital ecosystem services to communities in tropical countries, yet they are susceptible to degradation. The causes and effects of mangrove forest degradation in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to explore these issues from the perspective of mangrove resource collectors (MRCs). Utilizing the DPSIR (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, and Response) framework, data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with MRCs. The findings revealed that the drivers of mangrove degradation included reduced freshwater supply, increased demand for mangrove resources, climate change, and tourism. These drivers created pressures on the mangrove forests, manifesting through natural disasters, rising salinity levels, the establishment of the Farakka barrage, forest fires, coastal development, overexploitation, and pollution. Consequently, the forests experienced alterations in cover, a decline in mature trees, reduced stem density, and changes in species composition. The impacts of this degradation included biodiversity loss, diminished ecosystem services, and adverse effects on the livelihoods of communities dependent on mangroves. MRCs highlighted the necessity for support in generating alternative incomes, restoring freshwater supply, addressing the Farakka barrage issue collaboratively, enhancing forest management practices, and promoting mangrove afforestation and reforestation. These findings carry significant implications for policy reform, research, sustainable management, and conservation efforts for mangrove forests. They also underscore the need for developing alternative livelihood programs for communities living around the Sundarbans and other tropical regions facing similar challenges.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324002759Climate changeIncreasing salinityHeritiera fomesEcosystem servicesBiodiversity lossMangrove restoration
spellingShingle Khandkar- Siddikur Rahman
Nabila Hasan Dana
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
Himaddri Shekher Mondal
Luzhen Chen
Md Nazrul Islam
Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework
Trees, Forests and People
Climate change
Increasing salinity
Heritiera fomes
Ecosystem services
Biodiversity loss
Mangrove restoration
title Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework
title_full Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework
title_fullStr Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework
title_full_unstemmed Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework
title_short Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework
title_sort degradation of mangrove forests in the sundarbans an assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the dpsir framework
topic Climate change
Increasing salinity
Heritiera fomes
Ecosystem services
Biodiversity loss
Mangrove restoration
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666719324002759
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