Sundarbans correspondent 

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a vital fishery hub in the southwest region of the country is gradually shrinking due to encroachment, river erosion, and the impacts of climate change.

 Experts warn that if immediate and effective protection measures are not taken, this UNESCO World Heritage Site may eventually vanish—posing a serious threat to Bangladesh itself.

According to geologists, the forest's size is steadily decreasing, disrupting the Sundarbans' intricate ecological balance. The loss of vegetation, undergrowth, and wildlife is already evident.

In a 2020 report, the World Bank presented data reflecting this ongoing loss. The report focused on the resilience of the Sundarbans and surrounding communities in the face of climate change. It noted that the forest covered 11,904 square kilometers between 1904 and 1924. By 1967, this area had decreased to 11,663 square kilometers. In 2021, the area dropped further to 11,506 square kilometers. In other words, over the past 100 years, the Sundarbans have lost around 451 square kilometers of forestland.

Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, Convener of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) in the Mongla region, stated, “People are gradually encroaching into the forest, building homes and markets. Rising sea levels due to climate change have intensified river erosion, causing the Sundarbans to shrink. The government must adopt a zero-tolerance policy to protect the forest. Simultaneously, law enforcement and forest protection agencies must become stricter in controlling human entry.”

The Sundarbans act as a natural barrier that shields Bangladesh from extreme weather events. Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam, Chairman of Save the Sundarbans Foundation, emphasized, “This forest stands as a life-saving shield against devastating cyclones and natural disasters. It also supports the livelihoods of coastal communities who collect honey, golpata (nipa palm), fish, crabs, and other forest resources. Protecting the Sundarbans means protecting Bangladesh.”

The forest is interwoven with numerous rivers and canals—covering about 350 kilometers in total. These waterways experience tidal flooding twice a day. While tides replenish and reshape the land, erosion has outpaced sediment deposits over the last century, and effective prevention measures remain absent.

Hawlader Azad Kabir, Acting Ifficer of the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center and Tourist Hub in the eastern Sundarbans, stated, “The biggest threats to the forest are climate change and human exploitation. While tree-cutting has declined, the practice of poisoning water bodies to catch fish continues, which is severely damaging the ecosystem. If this abuse persists, the Sundarbans may cease to exist.”

Dr. Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, Professor at Khulna University’s Environmental Science Department, warned, “To protect the environment, we must protect this forest. Everyone—government and citizens alike—must come forward to ensure its survival.”