Blue carbon as a nature-based climate mitigation strategy for mangrove conservation in Bangladesh

The socioeconomic context of Bangladesh highlights the complex environmental challenges of the 21st century. The Sundarbans, covering 10,200 km², is the world's largest mangrove forest and a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare and endangered species. Shared by India and Bangladesh, the forest mitigates the impacts of seasonal droughts, floods, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion, while supporting local livelihoods with resources like honey, beeswax, and seafood. Many people in the region depend on the forest for food and income, primarily from fishing and agriculture, leading to overexploitation and degradation of this habitat. The Sundarbans is home to Bengal tigers and many other species, offering recreational and research opportunities. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, protecting and regenerating mangroves can help mitigate carbon emissions and support coastal communities affected by stronger monsoons and cyclones. This paper explores mechanisms to enhance the efficiency, durability, and implementation of sustainable conservation strategies for the Sundarbans using nature-based solutions. The methodology includes desktop research and findings from primary data on natural science, socio-economic, finance, and drawns upon the authors’ previous policy publications. The paper proposes an integrated conservation approach at the national (Bangladesh), bi-national (India-Bangladesh), and regional (Sundarbans River catchment) levels, to secure long-term preservation of this globally significant ecosystem.