Khulna: Plastic pollution has been posing a serious threat to both the ecosystem and biodiversity of Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, for the last couple of decades. Prof Abdullah Harun Chowdhury of the Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna University said single-use plastics, used in Khulna and other areas near the Sundarbans, have made their way into the forest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, plastic bottles are frequently seen scattered along the banks of Bhairab River near the forest. Prof Chowdhury explained that plastic in coastal areas is entering the food chain through fish, affecting their reproductive process and growth. This plastic pollution also impacts other aquatic animals. Single-use plastics have severely damaged the environment and biodiversity of the Sundarbans, with wild animals often ingesting these plastics.
Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from erosion and extreme weather events, improving water quality by filtering pollutants, and serving as nurseries for many marine creatures. They also sequester millions of tons of carbon each year, helping to combat climate change. The Sundarbans, located on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal, also help buffer coastal communities in Bangladesh from frequent cyclones during the monsoon season.
Prof Chowdhury highlighted that the Sundarbans and coastal areas are now covered in plastic, which is harmful to public health and the environment. Research findings indicate that at least 17 species of fish and three kinds of shellfish in the main rivers of the Sundarbans are infected with microplastics. To address this issue, Prof Chowdhury emphasized the need for responsible tourism and collaboration with tour operators to promote sustainable practices. He stressed the importance of adopting a circular economy that promotes plastic recycling and gradually eliminates its use altogether, along with plans for a green growth strategy aimed at fostering environmentally friendly development.
Nurul Karim, Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarban West Forest Division, Khulna, stated that they have informed all tour operators about the complete ban on single-use plastics in the Sundarbans. However, he acknowledged that plastic enters the Sundarbans through rivers and canals from urban areas, posing a significant challenge. He urged that authorities should be more proactive in controlling plastic usage in city areas.
Plastic pollution from tourists is wreaking havoc on Sundarbans ecosystems, with waste breaking down into micro-plastics that reduce the fertility of the forest floor and impede seed germination. Nurul Karim pointed out trawler-based tour operators as significant contributors to plastic pollution due to their excessive use of single-use plastics. Plastics pour into the bay from upstream rivers and neighboring areas, choking coastal lands with locally generated waste. Reducing plastic accumulation in the ocean and coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal is critical and requires concerted, multi-pronged actions.
The Sundarbans forest, home to rare creatures like the Bengal tiger and the Irrawaddy dolphin, supports a diverse range of aquatic animals, including 210 species of white fishes, 26 species of shrimp, 13 species of crabs, and 42 species of snails, which are vital for the livelihoods of about 30 lakh people. The forest also harbors numerous wild animals, birds, and other species, highlighting the urgent need to protect and conserve its biodiversity and ecosystem from plastic and polythene pollution.
More than 530 youths have united to protect the forest’s biodiversity and ecosystem by raising awareness among locals. Under a project initiated by Rupantar, a Khulna-based development organization, a powerful network of both male and female youths has been formed. The project, titled “Reducing Pollution and Improving Ecology of the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest and their Zones of Influence in Bangladesh,” is being implemented across 17 upazilas in Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Barguna, and Pirojpur districts. It aims to supplement the government’s three R (reduce, reuse, recycle) strategy and contribute to sustainable development goals related to combating plastic pollution.
Speaking to BSS, Swapan Kumar Guha, Executive Director of Rupantar, expressed the youths’ commitment to resisting plastic waste and pollution while protecting the soil and water from further degradation.