Is co-management a double-edged sword in the protected areas of Sundarbans mangrove?

Abstract

The overall objective of the study was to examine the pros and cons of the participatory approach adopted in natural resource management in the ecologically protected areas of the Sundarbans mangrove of Bangladesh. A comparative study was done between the people who are involved and non-involved in this approach. Empirical data was collected through personal interviews with a structured questionnaire. The Gini coefficient was measured first and then embedded with the Lorenz curve to draw a line between perfect equality and inequality vis-a-vis. The study revealed that the co-management built awareness in favor of biodiversity conservation and the efficient use of natural resources. Contradictorily, a segment of different hierarchical committees was involved in destructive activities like poisoning the wetlands for fishing. Therefore, a mixed outcome was found. The findings will help the policymakers in identifying the pitfalls and bottlenecks rooted in co-management. Hence, the study recommends revising the approach to ensure the community's active participation on an equal basis and take action against them who degrade those resources. Exploring profitable alternative income-generating activities is warranted to narrow down the dependency on the Sundarbans mangrove's natural resources. In order to address the tragedy of the commons, the study advocates for the unity of all knowledge ranging from science to humanistic scholarship for sound policymaking.

Seasonality and sustainability of tourism – case study

“…The Gini index is often used to measure seasonal intensity (Fernandes et al, 2020;Fernandez-Morales, Cisneros-Martinez, McCabe, 2016;Fernandez-Morales, Mayorga-Toledano, 2008;Kožić, Krešić, Boranić-Živoder, 2013;Lau, Koo, Dwyer, 2017;Lau, Koo, 2022;Nastassios, Sitouras, 2004;Papakonstantinidis, 2012). It has also been used in measuring the seasonal concentration of tourism in protected natural areas (Kostopoulou, Kyritsis, 2006;Prachvuthy, 2006;Sims, 2010;Xu, Pan, 2019;Rahman, 2022).…”

Impact of Climate Change on the Offshore Nijhum Island of Bangladesh

“…The environmental parameters with the direct influences on this island in terms of global climate change are sea-level rise, natural calamities like cyclones, and rise in temperature and salinity. Bangladesh faces unpredictable climate change impacts for a long that is subject to multiple stressors originating from a rapidly changing environment (Rahman 2020, Rahman 2021a, Rahman 2022c, Rahman 2023) and social dynamics (Mitchell et al2015, Rahman et al 2009, Rahman 2021b, Rahman 2022a. The study also predicted the upcoming impact of climate change on the ecosystem.…”

Assessing the Role of Invasive Lantana ( <i>Lantana camara</i>) in Disrupting the Native Biodiversity of Bangladesh

“…Our natural forests are characterised by intensive land use and high levels of habitat destruction or fragmentation resulting in sharply fragmented habitat mosaics (Rahman et al 2007(Rahman et al , 2008Rahman 2021Rahman , 2022, 2016. Plant communities are more susceptible to invasion by alien lantana.…”