The Sundarbans labrynth of tidal islands and mangrove forests provide habitat for tigers, dolphins, turtles, and migratory birds. They also provide food, homes, and storm protection for local communities.

Assessing the Sundarbans in Bangladesh

The Sundarbans in Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest mangrove forests, home to the famous Bengal Tiger and a hotspot for dolphins, turtles, and birds. Millions of people depend on this labyrinth of tidal rivers for livelihood and protection from cyclones and hurricanes to which the area is prone.

While most famous for supporting the world’s largest tiger population, the Sundarbans is also home to a variety of other wildlife.

The Sundarbans was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

In March, the World Heritage Centre and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conducted a monitoring mission to assess the conservation of this iconic area. The mission was requested by the World Heritage Committee during its 2015 session, following concerns over the construction of a Super Thermal Power Plant and the effects of oil and shipping accidents in the Shela River.

This mission was undertaken in part to assess potential impacts of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant — 97 km from the World Heritage site,

For a week, World Heritage Marine Coordinator Fanny Douvere and science experts from IUCN met with national and local leaders, toured the mangrove forests and rivers, and talked with the communities that rely on the forest for food, homes, and flood protection.

The World Heritage Centre and IUCN assessed the health of the forest and wildlife.

The mission will result in a report with recommendations to the Government of Bangladesh for the future protection of the Sundarbans World Heritage site. The report will be publically available on the World Heritage Centre’s website at the end of June 2016.

The Sundarbans is more than just an iconic park. It is also home to communities that rely on its lands and waters for food, shelter, and homes.