Present Status of Wetland Biodiversity - A Study in Sujanagar Upazila, Pabna, Bangladesh

Abstract

This exploratory study was conducted over a period of three months; it was concentrated in three unions of Sujanagar Upazilla in Pabna district. The present state of wetland biodiversity is exacerbated due to a series of problems, including poverty, population growth, force from pressure groups and construction of flood-control embankment, through inappropriate regulations of water flow (sluicegate). Many species, including fish, plants and aquatic species, are shown to be threatened and endangered due to siltation of beel, changing physical nature of wetlands, indiscriminate uses of chemicals, construction of embankment and fishing of broods. Physical changes in watersheds and floodplains have drastically reduced the area and quality of wetlands. Flood-control embankments and water control structures have blocked fish migration routes. On the other hand, expanded irrigation ofcultivated areas and expanding areas of winter-rice cultivation have reduced the water available for aquatic life to survive in the six-month dry season. Losses of tree cover and poor cultivation practices in watersheds have caused high rates of siltation in rivers and loss of floodplain wetlands. The wetland environment unites the inhabitants into a society, which has a definite shape, culture and livelihood pattern. Over-exploitation of aquatic resources, destruction of habitats, unwise use of agrochemicals, land use conflict and conversion of land and construction of embankment and sluicegates are the major threats to wetland biodiversity. Many fishermen are losing their profession due to loss of wetland biodiversity (lack of fish). People's active participation can secure wetland restoration. Participatory wetland resource management or initiatives might save wetland biodiversity and aquatic resources.