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- Aquatic and floodplain ecosystems continue to be severely degraded. The wetland ecosystems have lost connections with larger water bodies (rivers and canals) due to siltation and land filling or draining for agriculture and homestead use.
- More than 50% of seasonal and perennial wetlands have been affected by growing unplanned urban and agricultural land use.
- Upstream water use in Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet greatly reduces dry season water flows into Bangladesh.
- True forest habitat is less than 6% of total land area and is declining rapidly.
- Massive deforestation has resulted in loss of biodiversity and productivity of tropical forest resources.
Current Conditions: Environment
Bangladesh Has Extensive Natural ResourcesThe floodplains of Bangladesh represent one of the world's most important wetlands. It is home to hundreds of species of fish, plants, and wildlife and is a critical habitat for thousands of migrating birds. The Sunderbans in southwest Bangladesh are the world's single largest mangrove forest and are recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Growing Pressure on Resources
Pressures on Bangladesh's biological resources are intense and growing. They include:
- poor management of aquatic and terrestrial resources;
- population growth;
- overuse of resources;
- unplanned building projects; and
- expansion of agriculture onto less productive lands, creating erosion and runoff, among other by-products.
Bangladesh's expanding population destroys critical habitats, causing a decrease in biodiversity. Most of Bangladesh's tropical forests and almost all of the freshwater floodplains have been negatively affected by human activities.
Effect on Poor
Damage to natural resources hurts not only the environment but also the income of the poor. For example, the number of fish species and the average fish catch has decreased drastically. This reduces the income of the very poor who depend on fish for protein and their livelihood. In the forests, loss of biodiversity and products means less food, fodder, medicine and shelter for the poor.
Ineffective Conservation Policies Lead to Biodiversity Loss
Many communities are unfamiliar with environmental issues. Few currently participate in decisions regarding local natural resources. In addition, there is little data on Bangladesh's ecosystems. Inadequate data and limited local participation leads to poor environmental policies. There are also few people trained in natural resource management. Without sufficient environmental protection, biodiversity in Bangladesh continues to decrease.
USAID's Response USAID/Bangladesh Envioronment Program Activities
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