Constraints of Biodiversity Conservation in the Fragile Ecosystems: The Case of Sundarban Region in Ganga Delta of India

Abstract

The Sundarban region in India is famous for a combination of estuarine and mangrove forest ecosystems dotted with fresh water bodies. It is sandwiched between shallow marine ecosystem in the south and agricultural landscape in the north. Therefore it is exposed to natural hazards like cyclone, tidal surge and tsunamis while suffer from overutilization of natural resources in the forest-society interface; hence all ecosystems are fragile in nature. Need of the local poor people as well as greed of the animal poachers and plunderers of timber and non-timber forest products along with aquatic creatures have squeezed the biodiversity base. Various species of plants, animals, birds and fishes are either endangered or already extinct. Objectives of this empirical study are to identify the endangered and extinct species and to suggest suitable strategies for biodiversity conservation through recuperation and revitalization of the various ecosystems involving the local people. Success of such an organized effort may provide a model for biodiversity conservation in the littoral tract of the humid tropics. Implementation of Participatory Management of Forest, Man and Biosphere Program and Ecotourism along with efficient maintenance of tiger, crocodile and bird sanctuaries, reintroduction of indigenous crops and restriction on fine nylon netting of fishes are expected to pay a rich dividend.