Sundarbans is country’s oxygen bank: KCC Admin
Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) on Friday described the Sundarbans as an “oxygen bank” for the country, stressing that the mangrove forest is deeply intertwined with the survival of the people of Bangladesh.
“Protecting the Sundarbans and its biodiversity is not only the responsibility of Khulna residents but of the entire nation,” he said while addressing a dialogue titled “Resilient Sundarbans: Youth, Climate and Coastal Future” at the CSS Ava Centre in Khulna city on Friday. The dialogue was jointly organized by the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER), Mission Green Bangladesh (MGB), and Swapnapuri Kallyan Sangstha, with financial support from the UK government.
Referring to conservation initiatives in different countries, Manju said it was “a matter of shame” that Bangladesh often fails to adequately protect its own natural resources.
He emphasised the need to form a dedicated Sundarbans Board, enforce stricter forest conservation laws, halt vessel movement through the forest, and create alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on forest-based activities.
Speakers at the event highlighted that the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest mangrove forest, serves as Bangladesh’s first line of defence against rising sea levels and climate-induced disasters. The forest plays a vital role in protecting coastal communities from cyclones and storm surges, preserving biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods of millions.
However, experts warned that increasing salinity, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict are placing the forest under growing threat.
The discussion also focused on the “Nabapallab” and “Engage for Sundarbans” projects, under which research findings and field-level experiences will be incorporated into national policy discussions and decision-making processes.
The Nabapallab project additionally seeks to strengthen climate resilience through climate-adaptive livelihoods, renewable energy, and locally led adaptation initiatives.
