Reading Comprehension: The Sundarbans
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, covering parts of Bangladesh and India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a critical natural barrier against cyclones. The forest is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The Sundarbans also provides livelihood for millions of people through fishing, honey collection, and tourism. However, it faces threats from climate change, rising sea levels, illegal logging, and pollution. The Bangladesh government has taken steps to protect the forest, including declaring it a protected area and promoting eco-tourism. Despite these efforts, the balance between conservation and human needs remains delicate. The passage suggests that sustainable management is essential to preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations.
1. According to the passage, what are the main ecological and economic roles of the Sundarbans? List at least three of each and explain how they are connected.
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Ecological roles:
- It is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, providing a unique habitat for biodiversity.
- It acts as a critical natural barrier against cyclones, protecting coastal areas from storm surges.
- It supports a wide range of wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Economic roles:
- It provides livelihood for millions of people through fishing.
- It supports honey collection, a traditional economic activity.
- It promotes tourism, including eco-tourism initiatives.
Connection:
The ecological roles sustain the economic roles. For example, the mangrove forest's health ensures fish populations, which support fishing livelihoods. The barrier function protects coastal communities, enabling stable economic activities. Tourism relies on the presence of wildlife and the unique landscape, so conservation is directly linked to economic benefits. Thus, preserving the ecosystem is essential for maintaining the livelihoods it supports.
Answer: The Sundarbans serves ecological roles such as biodiversity habitat, cyclone barrier, and wildlife support, and economic roles such as fishing, honey collection, and tourism. These are interconnected because the healthy ecosystem underpins the economic activities.
2. What threats does the Sundarbans face, and what measures have been taken by the Bangladesh government to protect it? Based on the passage, explain why the balance between conservation and human needs is described as delicate.
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Threats:
- Climate change and rising sea levels.
- Illegal logging.
- Pollution.
Government measures:
- Declaring the forest a protected area.
- Promoting eco-tourism.
Why the balance is delicate:
The Sundarbans provides livelihoods for millions of people through activities like fishing, honey collection, and tourism. Conservation efforts may restrict these activities to protect the ecosystem, potentially affecting local communities. Conversely, over-exploitation for economic gain can harm the forest. The passage implies that sustainable management is needed to reconcile these competing interests, ensuring that the ecosystem is preserved while still supporting human needs. This tension makes the balance delicate.
Answer: Threats include climate change, rising sea levels, illegal logging, and pollution. The government has protected the area and promoted eco-tourism. The balance is delicate because conservation may limit livelihoods, while overuse can damage the forest; sustainable management is essential.