Forest Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Unveiling Relationships: Enhancing Sustainability of Golpata (Nipa Palm) Through Socio‐Ecological Systems Management in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

ABSTRACTThis study explores the social‐ecological dynamics of common pool resource (CPR) management in the Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh. We focus on golpata (Nypa fruticans), a vital CPR for local communities. A social‐ecological systems (SESs) framework was employed to assess the relationships between social (actors and governance) and ecological (resource system and resource unit) dimensions and their influence on the sustainability of golpata management. Data on 12 variables and 24 indicators were collected within the Chadpai range of the Sundarbans. Results revealed both positive and negative relationships between the SES dimensions. Positive correlations were found between the resource system and resource unit, and between governance and both resource system and unit (albeit weaker). Conversely, negative correlations emerged between actors and both resource systems and units, suggesting a potential disconnect between community user practices and resource sustainability. Based on these findings, the study recommends four distinct management scenarios tailored to specific SES regions within the Sundarbans. These scenarios emphasize strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and implementing targeted ecological interventions to improve the sustainability of golpata resources. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the social‐ecological complexities of golpata management in the Sundarbans. The findings can inform policymakers in developing effective strategies for sustainable resource use and community livelihoods within this critical ecosystem.

Trade-off between herbal and allopathic treatments: An ethnopharmacological case study in Rema-kalenga wildlife sanctuary, Bangladesh

The Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary (RKWS) is a protected forest in Bangladesh that houses a variety of rare flora and fauna and supports the sustenance of 13 ethnic communities. This forest's indigenous and other inhabitants traditionally have a strong cultural connection to the plants, particularly medicinal plants. Due to modern allopathic medicine's rapid growth and commercial tree species prioritization, many medicinal plants are now on the verge of endangerment. Under such circumstances, it is crucial to explore how the local community perceives the importance of herbal treatments in contrast to allopathy, the underlying reasons for their perceptions, and the specific ailments for which they use the plants. The main objectives are: 1) to evaluate the perceptions of the local community towards allopathy and herbal medicine using Nussbaum's central capabilities approach, 2) to identify medicinal plant diversity, therapeutic usages, and quantitative indices, 3) to determine the factors that influence the use of medicinal plants. Repeated interviews and field surveys were conducted at the RKWS, interviewing 145 people, including the indigenous community (72.42 %) and traditional healers (8.27 %) from the surrounding seven villages. The study identified 51 medicinal plant species belonging to 39 families for their potent medicinal properties in treating various ailments. The predominant parts of the plants used in the treatments were leaves and roots. The uses were classified into 12 categories according to Nussbaum's central capabilities. The findings identified Aloe vera, Phyllanthus emblica, and Azadirachta indica as highly culturally important species. In contrast, Terminalia arjuna, Swertia chirata, and Azadirachta indica were found to have the highest relative importance. The underlying determinants influencing the preferences of individual users towards herbal medicine were income from agroforestry, beliefs, knowledge, and ethnicity, as revealed by the analysis of the ordinal logit model. The respondents viewed their strong inclination toward herbal medicine with many positive attitudes. Herbal medicine users held a negative perception of allopathy except for affiliation and practical reasons being viewed as the positive outcomes. Conversely, allopathic medicine users expressed mixed perceptions towards the treatment, with both positive and negative aspects being identified. Promoting the sustainable use of medicinal plants and their conservation efforts is imperative for the benefit of present and future generations in this region.

Variability of the chemical composition of Dendrocalamus giganteus in relation to growth stage

Bamboo is a renewable bioresource with extensive applications, from construction to textiles, and is essential for bioenergy and eco-friendly practices. Despite its potential use in biorefineries, the utilization of abundant species like Dendrocalamus giganteus is hindered by a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding its chemical composition at various growth stages. In this study, we addressed this gap by quantifying the holocellulose, lignin and extractive contents of D. giganteus from the tropical forests of Bangladesh. We examined the composition across different ages and heights, assessing the solubility of holocellulose, lignin and extractive contents, with a view to enhance the use of D. giganteus in biorefinery industries. We analyzed chemical composition and assessed the solubility using both hot and cold water, as well as conducting 1 % NaOH (caustic soda) solubility tests following the TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) standards. The holocellulose, lignin, and extractive content increased with the increase age of the bamboo. These components also increased with increasing height, regardless of age. The solubility in water and NaOH, on the other hand, decreased with the increasing age and height positions. The top of 4-year-old bamboo exhibited the highest levels of holocellulose (70.2 %), lignin (29.7 %), and extractive components (6.9 %), but the lowest solubilities in hot water (6.18 %), cold water (3.58 %) and caustic soda (22.48 %). These findings suggest that D. giganteus has potential applications in specific industries, such as pulp and paper, nanocellulose, bioethanol, biochemicals and bio-based composites.

Stock assessment of the mud crab (Scylla olivacea) collected from the terrestrial edge of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh

We estimated mud crab (Scylla olivacea) population parameters to determine recruitment patterns, asymptotic carapace width (CW∞), growth coefficient (k), mortality rate (Z, M, and F), exploitation rate (E) and relationship between body weight and carapace width (BW - CW) in the terrestrial edge of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh. Baited long lines and traps were used to collect crab samples from the terrestrial edge of the mangroves (up to 10 km inside of the Sundarbans mangroves) monthly for a year (Jan 2021–Dec 2021). These CW frequency data were utilized to determine population characteristics. Based on the BW × CW relationship, male S. olivacea crabs increased their BW faster (b = 2.89, R2 = 0.86) than females (b = 2.29, R2 = 0.82). Crabs displayed negative growth allometry, b significantly differed from the isometric growth (b = 3). Both male and female CW∞ was estimated to be 126.00 mm and 113.40 mm, with k values of 0.50 yr−1 and 0.48 yr−1, respectively. The total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) of male and female crabs were 1.89 yr−1 and 1.84 yr−1, 0.79 yr−1 and 0.80 yr−1 and 1.10 yr−1 and 1.04 yr−1 respectively. Both sexes were recruited using a bimodal recruitment strategy, with a significant peak from March to June. However, young crabs were present year-round. The virtual population analysis (VPA) shows that males and females are caught at smaller sizes (60–90 mm). The estimated exploitation rate (E) exceeds (0.58 for males and 0.57 for females) the optimum exploitation level (E = 0.50) and E values were close to the projected maximum yield per exploitation rate (Emax = 0.655 for males and 0.647 for females) which indicated over-exploitation of the mud crabs from the territorial edge of the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh and hence suggested for proper management.

Counterinsurgency, forest governance, and the dynamics of change in the forests of South Asia: Transition in Bangladesh's forests

Since the end of the Cold War, attention has increasingly focused globally on the nexus of conflict, natural resources, and governance, particularly in forested regions. This paper presents a comprehensive historical and comparative analysis of forest and biodiversity loss in Bangladesh over the last 50 years, attending to the impacts of counterinsurgency in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and governance changes in the plains. Drawing on Peter Vandergeest and Nancy Peluso's seminal concept of “political forests,” the study critically analyzes how counterinsurgency, state-led development, and green militarization in the CHT, alongside neoliberal development, commercialization, and land grabbing in the plains, have reshaped forest governance and territorial control in the country. The analysis reveals that counterinsurgencies in the CHT, driven by domestic priorities and strategic interests, expanded colonial-style territorial control over forests, thereby exacerbating biodiversity loss. In the plains, neoliberal governance has promoted forest degradation through commercial exploitation and state-sanctioned land grabbing, with economic growth being pursued at the cost of environmental sustainability. This paper presents a critique of both militarized and neoliberal approaches to conservation, demonstrating how these models prioritize political and economic agendas over ecological integrity and local community needs. In conclusion, the study advocates a paradigmatic shift toward inclusive, community-centered forest governance that empowers local populations and emphasizes environmental stewardship, challenging dominant state-centric and market-driven approaches to forest management.

Assessing the Role of Agroforestry-Livelihood-Food Security Nexus in the Madhupur Sal Forest of Bangladesh

Agroforestry practices play an inevitable role in reinforcing the livelihood of millions of small-scale farmers while ensuring sustainable food security throughout the world. The significance of practicing various strategies of agroforestry models in densely populated countries like Bangladesh is highly recognized according to livelihood functionalities. To achieve the sustainable goals of the United Nations, identifying potential agroforestry practices along with their impacts towards socio-economic, and ecological demands is crucial. Socio-economic interactions are highly influenced by livelihood improvement and assurance of food security for the participants. Madhupur Sal forest is one of the major sources of diversified combination agroforestry systems practiced by the people around it. Age, education, annual income, and agroforestry knowledge had a significant relationship with the farmers' opinions on socio-economic development through agroforestry practices. Sustainable livelihood capitals (Human, Social, Physical, Financial, and Natural) were improved in each model we determined, and agroforestry multi-functionally increased food security ensuring 94% yearly food sufficiency, and 6% sufficiency for two-thirds of the year according to the response variables. This study depicted various prospects for livelihood enhancement and food security concerning diverse agroforestry models.

Toward the Institutionalization of a One Health Agenda: What the World can Learn from Bangladesh

Abstract In 2005 and 2007, prompted by Nipah and avian influenza outbreaks, respectively, faculties at Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) in Bangladesh initiated a civil society network of researchers in animal and human health. This network led to the launch a year later of One Health Bangladesh (OHB), a platform with membership open to multi-disciplinary scientists, practitioners, and activists. Along with continued advocacy to advance One Health agenda, OHB partnered with government, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to develop, in 2012, a National One Health Strategic Framework and Action Plan. The National Plan was later endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL), and Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFC) followed by its implementation which introduced a three-tier multi-sectoral coordination mechanism including the establishment of a One Heath Secretariat in 2016. In 2017, an operational budget for the One Health Secretariat (OHS) was allocated by the MoHFW and three mid-level government officers from three government agencies, and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Department of Livestock Services (DLS), and Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) were seconded to the OHS to make the Secretariat functional. OHB and the OHS now work together to advance the institutionalization process and implement One Health activities including One Health capacity building, joint surveillance, outbreak investigation and intervention, advocacy in the form of arranging dialogs, seminars, workshops, and conferences, and promoting cross sectoral and transdisciplinary collaboration, networking, and partnership nationally and internationally. Information © The Authors 2024

Valuation of Ratargul swamp forest conservation: Does climate knowledge matter?

The degradation of swamp forest ecosystem services due to the adverse effects of climate change has already been observed. Ratargul Swamp Forest (RSF), the only swamp forest in Bangladesh, provides livelihood and ecotourism opportunities for millions. It forms a crucial nexus between the community's economic well-being and the preservation of a unique, ecologically significant natural habitat. However, this ecosystem has experienced severe degradation due to various climatic and anthropogenic factors. Conservation of this unique ecosystem is expected to play a crucial role in addressing climate change and achieving the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to estimate household Willingness to Pay (WTP) and total economic value for this ecosystem using the contingent valuation under a climate change scenario. The mean WTP is estimated to be 7,360.00 BDT, while the total annual benefit of the RSF conservation program is estimated to be 31,798,129.50 BDT per year using a parametric approach. Our result shows that individuals with higher incomes whose primary livelihood depends on this ecosystem, receive benefits from this ecosystem, and have a good understanding of climate change are likely to pay more for the RSF conservation program. Therefore, implementing a communication policy to increase knowledge about climate change would significantly contribute to conserving this unique ecosystem and thus achieve the country's SDGs and the United Nations REED+ program in developing countries.

A trait-based approach to quantify ecosystem services delivery potentials in the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh

An ecosystem’s potential to deliver goods and services, primarily determined by the functional traits of the species, is crucial for assessing its health and conservation value. This study uses a trait-based approach to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation in the ecosystem services delivery potentials (ESDPs) of the Sundarbans mangrove. We analyzed abundance data from 81 permanent sample plots (PSPs), spread over different saline zones, collected between 1986 and 2014, paired with species-specific plant functional traits. Seventeen traits were examined, with species-level data sourced from secondary literature, linking traits to ecosystem services. Study revealed that plant height, specific leaf area, and root length are key traits for assessing ESDPs. The Sundarbans’ ESDPs varied spatially across different saline zones but remained stable over time. Notably, ESDPs were significantly higher in low saline zones compared to ESDPs in high saline zones. This spatial variation is partly explained by differences in plant species composition among saline zones and the relatively stable species composition over time. Results from mixed effect models showed that PSP as a random factor for all four models is attributed to the nested effect. The study highlights the value of functional traits in ecosystem service assessments, providing a robust method to predict how changes in biodiversity and environmental conditions affect service delivery. The observed trend of decreasing ESDPs with increasing salinity offers insights into the potential impacts of sea-level rise on mangrove forest functions. These findings are essential for developing conservation strategies and policies to preserve the Sundarbans’ ecological integrity and support local livelihoods. This research advocates for a trait-based framework as a critical tool for the sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems globally.

Investigation of the pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) cultivation sustainability in cages at the Ratargul Freshwater Swamp Forest of Bangladesh

AbstractDetermining the most appropriate stocking density for a specific fish species in an ambient condition is essential for successful cage aquaculture in terms of profitability which is mainly governed by growth. The current study was conducted to ascertain which stocking density gives the best result of widely cultured species in cage aquaculture, pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), at swamp forest environment of Ratargul Freshwater Swamp Forest, Bangladesh in terms of growth, production and economic return. Fish were reared for 93 days at three stocking densities, namely 30, 40 and 50 fish/m3 which were denoted as FSD30, FSD40 and FSD50, respectively, containing three replications of each. Growth and yield comparisons indicated that the stocking density of fish had significant (p < 0.05) effects on growth rate and productivity. Fish cultivated at the maximum density (FSD50) had lower mean weights than fish reared at lower densities. The significantly highest mean weights (376.58 ± 14.65 g) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) (1.617 ± 0.035) obtained from FSD30 show the suitability of this density in terms of fish growth and profitability of pangas in swamp forest environment.

Mapping landscape values and exploring sense of place in a threatened mangrove biodiversity hotspot: the Sundarbans delta, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh underpins local livelihoods in multiple ways, but its ecological integrity is under threat. In this paper, we seek to explore how local people value the Sundarbans landscapes spatially and how the Sundarbans contributes to their sense of place. To elicit spatially distributed landscape values, we applied a Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) method with 344 local people of the Sundarbans in the Bagerhat district, Bangladesh, and we collected 2007 geo-locations. Our study reveals that the Sundarbans mangrove forest is most frequently valued for enabling social activities (37.3% of all identified points). Other important landscape values were fishing, aesthetics, recreation, and honey collection, which were relatively widely distributed throughout the Sundarbans protected area. The local people also identified dependency on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods and for protection against biophysical threats such as cyclones and storms. The Sundarbans forest shapes people’s sense of place in the form of place identity, place attachment, and place dependence. This study demonstrates the value of spatial data and investigating sense of place in policy and planning for mangrove biodiversity hotspots.

Assessing changes in land cover, NDVI, and LST in the Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh and India: A GIS and remote sensing approach

Mangrove ecosystems, although limited in diversity and area compared to tropical forests, provide essential ecological and economic services, such as carbon sequestration and coastal protection. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, shared by Bangladesh and India, is one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the world and is crucial for biodiversity, economy, and climate regulation. Unfortunately, this ecosystem has been under severe stress over the years, with alarming rates of deforestation leading to habitat loss and a decline in ecosystem services. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal changes in the Sundarbans mangrove forest coverage from 1973 to 2023 using supervised image classification on Landsat images. It also assesses the relationship between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Land Surface Temperature in the Sundarbans using MODIS data which were extracted in Google Earth Engine. It finds that, despite the loss of denser mangrove areas, an improvement in overall vegetation health is visible, which suggests a natural resilience within the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The Land Surface Temperature result shows a weak but statistically significant negative correlation with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, indicating that the depletion of the Sundarbans mangrove forest could have an impact on the area's surface temperature. As such, the study regressed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index on Land Surface Temperature. The results confirm that although the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index has a statistically significant negative impact on Land Surface Temperature, the Coefficient of Determination is low. This suggests that other factors such as water bodies that intersect with the mangrove forest in the area may play an important role in influencing Land Surface Temperature. The paper reveals a nuanced picture of the Sundarbans' ecological state, with both declining mangrove densities and signs of vegetation recovery. It highlights the need for comprehensive conservation strategies to mitigate further ecosystem degradation.

Unveiling the unknown: a butterfly checklist of the Adampur forest in Bangladesh

Unveiling the unknown: a butterfly checklist of the Adampur forest in Bangladesh

Status and trend of ecosystem services of Madhupur Sal forest in Bangladesh

Status and trend of ecosystem services of Madhupur Sal forest in Bangladesh

Latex Yield and Tree Growth in Kanchannagar Rubber Estate of Bangladesh - a Preliminary Study

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) is a perennial, hardy and moderately quick-growing tree of the tropical regions (Khisa 1991). An initiative of its cultivation was taken in Bangladesh during 1960-61 considering the multiple uses of the latex and its products including the utility of timber (Chowdhury 1974). In Bangladesh, experts recommended its cultivation in the hilly land, terrace mostly evaluating the land suitability class and within the limitation of climatic factors (Hasan 1983). Bangladesh Forest Industry Development Cooperation (BFIOC) sent a proposal to Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRl), Chittagong to find out the causes of latex yield variation in the rubber station of Rangamatia and Doluchari of Kanchannagar Rubber Estate of Fatickchhari upazila of Chittagong District. Thus, a preliminary study was conducted on these rubber gardens during 2007-08. The clones in those estates are RRlM-600; PBIG/GG, GT-1 and PB-235, which were planted during different planting years (BFIDC 1993). Management of the Doluchari garden was comparatively better than Rangamatia. Total number of trees in Doluchari and Rangamatia is 29850 and .36149 respectively. Two (2004-06) years latex yield records showed that average productions were 3.16 kg/tre/yr for Doluchari and 1.86 kg/tree/yr in Rangamatia. The latex yield variation may be due to different factors viz: site quality, management efficiency, age group of clones, etc. (Anon,1989). The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. 8(1&2): 33-36, 2013

Unveiling the avian community structure, habitat preference, and conservation concerns in the sal forest of central bangladesh

A study on avifaunal diversity was conducted in Bhawal National Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh, from November 2020 to October 2021 using direct field observation. The study area was divided into five sites based on the habitat structure. A total of 138 bird species and 1,808 individuals were directly counted, representing 17 orders and 49 families. The order Passeriformes and the family Cuculidae had the highest number of species. During the winter season, the richness, abundance, and diversity was the maximum (116 species, 1132 individuals, H= 4.151, Ds= 0.976), with resident bird surpassing migratory species. Among the five study sites, the deep forest area exhibited the greatest number of bird species (75 species, H= 3.983, Ds= 0.975) and trees were the used microhabitat for the birds (101 species, 1521 individuals, H= 4.1, Ds= 0.977). Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata) had the maximum relative abundance and the ten most abundant species constituted 36.7% of total individuals. A total of 25 habitat generalist species was observed using more than one habitat during the study, while the rest were found in single habitat. Among all the bird species, 136 were Least Concern, one was Near Threatened, and one was Data Deficient. Based on the observation status, it was determined that the majority of bird species (97 species, 70.28%) were classified as few, while 25 species (18.11%) were as uncommon, 12 species (8.69%) as common, and 4 species (2.89%) as very common. The area was noted for its widespread use for recreational activities, and the disturbance caused by visitors lacking awareness poses a significant threat to the local bird population and biodiversity.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(1): 1-21, 2024 (January)

Effect of air pollution on plant life in the city of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces a serious problem with air pollution, which has a negative impact on human health and tree health. Leaf damage, slow development, and decreased photosynthetic activity are just a few of the harmful effects on trees that have been linked to high concentrations of pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These consequences affect the aesthetic value of green spaces in addition to interfering with the functions of the ecosystem that trees offer, such as air filtration and carbon sequestration. Given the seriousness of the problem, the present study plan was implemented to evaluate the amount of pollutants such as SOx, NOx, O3, hydrocarbons, particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10 and suspended particulate matter in the air in several urban areas of Chittagong and to evaluate the amount of chlorophyll from the leaves of affected and without affected leaves so that it may understand how the photosynthesis process of plants is interrupted by air pollution. 2 Number Gate Circle, Akbarsha Lane Circle, Alongkar Mor Bus Stop, Barik Building Circle, BDR Field Circle, Halishahar Access Road, Artillery Center-North Halishahar, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute and CRB Circle were selected as sampling location based on their heavy traffic and crowdedness. For the analysis of chlorophyll, each plant leaves were collected in three sections such as unaffected, slightly affected, and affected for comparison. The data studied showed that the most polluted zone with particulate matter had a lower chlorophyll concentration in the surrounding tree leaves. This can indicate that particulate matter can hinder photosynthesis reactions.

Agroforestry for income and livelihood development of ethnic minorities in Bangladesh

Agroforestry has enhanced the livelihoods of millions of smallholders globally. In Bangladesh, this is true for ethnic communities, including the Garo and Koch who are dependent on the Madhupur Sal forest. The Bangladesh Forest Department first introduced agroforestry in 1989, as part of a people-oriented forest management approach which sought to restore the Madhupur Sal forest - the country's most deforested and degraded forest. In this initiative, each farmer received 1 ha of deforested land and 50% of the land’s earnings would be shared with the department after a 10-year cycle. The Forest Department found that there were five types of profitable agroforestry practices in Madhupur: acacia-pineapple-aroid; jackfruit-pineapple-papaya; acacia-pineapple-turmeric; acacia-pineapple-ginger; acacia-pineapple-papaya; and jackfruit-pineapple-papaya. These practices have been found to generate significant income for farmers, with variations in output and costs depending on the specific combinations. The acacia-pineapple-aroid system proved to be the most profitable as it had the lowest total production cost and experienced little market price fluctuation. Income generation, however, was not the only benefit of this agroforestry programme. The programme had broader socio-economic impacts, including improvements in child and adult literacy rates, access to healthcare facilities, and road infrastructure development. Farmers were also able to invest in home development, purchase livestock, and increase their food self-sufficiency. To maximise the benefits of agroforestry, there is a need to further develop social and human capital and high-yield agroforestry practices, which will require more farmer training and support programmes. The investment of which is worthy as agroforestry has already proven its ability to address the challenges of deforestation and poverty, making it a crucial strategy for sustainable land use and livelihood improvement.

Structural diversity and carbon stocks in a tropical semi-evergreen forest in Bangladesh

Tropical forests are well-known as highly productive terrestrial ecosystems, which contribute significantly to the global carbon (C) cycle. Studies indicate a correlation between the structural diversity of forests and carbon stocks in the overall forest carbon stocks, and this relationship varies across tropical ecosystems. Understanding this connection is crucial to preventing the transfer of threats to unprotected areas when safeguarding specific forests. The present study was conducted in the undisturbed natural forests of Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Habigonj, Bangladesh. The study aimed to estimate C stocks within the soil-vegetation system of this forest ecosystem and elucidate relationships with stand structural diversity, focusing on vertical stratification and spatial association of tree species. Stand-level C stock models, constructed through tree-level carbon stocks using allometric equations, were based on stand variables such as basal area and mean or dominant tree height. Results identified five canopy strata, with strata two and three accounting for 60% of C stocks. The importance value index of tree species demonstrated a significant association with the C stocks contribution of tree species. The total ecosystem carbon stock ranged from 185 to 220 Mg ha−1, with aboveground 103 to 132 Mg ha−1, belowground 21 to 26 Mg ha−1, litter 2.4 to 4.4 Mg ha−1, dead wood 0.5 to 4.9 Mg ha−1 and soil 11 to 44 Mg ha−1. Species diversity indices exhibited weaker relationships with C stocks, while Pielou's evenness index demonstrated a strong negative relationship (P < 0.05) to C stocks. This comprehensive assessment provides insights into the C dynamics of the forest ecosystem. It offers valuable information for policymakers devising climate change mitigation strategies through the conservation management of tropical forests as crucial C sinks.

Spatio-Temporal Changes in the World Largest Mangrove Forest and Human Perceptions in Bangladesh: A Study Using GIS-RS and Social Survey Techniques

Mangrove forests are disappearing at a faster rate than any other forests in many places around the world due to natural and anthropogenic causes; as a result, natural resources are decreasing. Considering these issues, present study focuses on the changing pattern of the world’s largest mangrove forest which locally known as Sundarbans, and utilized Landsat satellite imagery during the periods 2000 to 2021 as the primary data source. Using Google Earth Engine, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was applied to classify the images into 4 LULC categories (water bodies, sediment, forest, and others). The accuracies of the image classifications were between 89.76 and 92.21 percent. Classified images for the years 2000, 2010, and 2021 were then used to train and validate the ANN-CA (artificial neural network-based cellular automaton) model applied to produce the LULC scenario for the year 2031. On the other hand, a questionnaire survey was conducted in Sarankhola, and Shyamnagar Upazila to identify locals’ perceptions of the causes of LULC changes in the study area. The findings reveal a great change from 4036.92 to 3969.33 km2 of forest cover between 2000 and 2021, and further degradation of 3913.03 km2 by the projected year (2031). The results show that all the 13 identified causes are driving the LULC changes in Sundarbans. The study also suggests if the appropriate management practices are not implemented, the study area's forest land degradation will likely continue in the years to come.&#x0D; The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 12(1), 2023, P 89-105