AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE...

1212

AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS

ISSN: 2392 – 876X

Available online at: www.researchthoughts.us

http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1399082

Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │ April 2015

Impact Factor: 2.0178 (UIF)

AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL

ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR

ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A

CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF

BANGLADESH

Zia Ahmed1, Mahbub Alami1, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman1, Sayed Sabbir

Ahmed1, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque2 and Romana Afrose Meem3

1Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342

2Department of Political Studies, Shajalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114

3Department of Statistics, Shajalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114

Abstract: The last few decades we have witnessed an enormous rise in awareness of the importance of

wetlands. Wetlands provide a wide range of economic, social and ecological benefits. Hakaluki Haor

has been assumed to take the attention in recent years because of its ecological significance in terms of

flood control, aquatic productivity, and micro-climatic regulation etc. Hakaluki Haor once had plenty

of wildlife and aquatic resources and has been covered with swamp forest, which in the recent time has

become a fast-degraded landscape facing increased pressure and threats. The aim of this paper is to

present a complete scenario of Hakaluki Haor and the adaptation practices of local people through

DPSIR framework analyses. To materialize the main objective, the environmental condition analysis,

socio-economic analyses, wetland use and wetland threat are considered separately. In this study, the

objective was extended to observe the complete integrated environmental assessment (IEA) and a

detailed perceptional study on wetland use, wetland threat, and ecosystem based adaptation. At the

end of the study, detailed management options have been given to protect and to conserve the economy

and the eco-system of Hakaluki Haor.

Key Words: Hakaluki Haor, Wetland, Ecosystem, Integrated environmental assessment

(IEA), DPSIR framework, conserve.

i *Corresponding Author: Mahbub Alam, Email: [email protected].

Zia Ahmed, Mahbub Alam, Dr. Syed Hafizur Rahman, Sayed Sabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Jahirul Hoque and

Romana Afrose Meem- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR

ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY ON MOULOVIBAZAR DISTRICT OF

BANGLADESH

1213 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015

1. INTRODUCTION

Ecologically Bangladesh supports a diverse set of ecosystems. These includes sandy

beaches to Mangroves, flood plains, lowland forests, terraces and hills reaching far

north into the eastern Himalayas – one of 25 biodiversity hot-spots globally identified.

The country has the world’s largest continuous mangrove forests in its south-western

part; in its eastern part it has a large tract of evergreen to semi-evergreen hill forests;

once very rich in biodiversity besides in north eastern part of the country there are

many wetland areas; locally called Haors which harbors a huge number of plants,

migratory birds (water fowls) and freshwater fish species. In Bangladesh, over 80% of

the land is low-lying and hence waterlogged or flooded at least part of the year. Much

of the land area does not generally exceed 40m ASL, making the country’s landscape

the single largest flood-basin in South Asia. The entire country is biogeographically a

transition between the Indo-Gangetic plains and the eastern Himalayas and in turn part

of the Indo-Chinese sub region of the Oriental realm (IUCN, 2006).

Bangladesh is most vulnerable to several natural disasters and every year natural

calamities upset people's lives in some part of the country. The vast majority of

Bangladesh’s population depends for its survival on wetlands which cover more than

half of the country’s geographical area. Almost 60% of people of Bangladesh are directly

and indirectly depend on the resource of wet land. Bangladesh is at high levels of risk

and vulnerability to severe climate events. Bangladesh is the country of most affected

by extreme climate events during 1990-2009 (Harmeling, 2010).

The Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA) process can help in assessing

vulnerability, focusing on impacts of climate change and developing adaptation

responses due to climate cange impact on Haor basin area. The DPSIR framework

underlines the IEA process. DPSIR is a framework that seeks to connect causes (drivers

and pressures) to environmental outcomes (state and impacts), including impacts of

changing climate, including both adaptation and mitigation responses to climate change

(Kristensen, 2004). This frame-work is structured to follow causal chains from an

indirect root cause (‘driving forces’—D) to a direct pressure and finally a management

response (R) between interacting components of social, economic, and environmental

systems. Effective management involves making a compromise between natural and

administrative boundaries to come up with manageable areas from which information




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can be organized and scaled up using the D-P-S-I-R system (Driving forces-Pressure-

State-Impact-Response). The resulting sensitivity/vulnerability mapping of ecosystems

can be a highly useful tool in negotiating the planning process with all the stakeholders

involved.

Hakaluki Haor was nominated an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) by the

Director General of the Department of Environment, as the ecosystem is considered to

have reached a critical state. It also is a protected Ramsar site of international

importance for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.

The objectives of the study are to use the DPSIR framework (Driving Forces-

Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses) to assess and manage environmental problems like

cyclone flood in Haor area. In this study DPSIR approach is used through a literature

review of extensive studies about cause-effect relations among the different components

of environment due to flash flood, flood, and water quality degradation of Hakaluki

Haor in Moulovibazar district.

2. METHODOLOGY

Methodology is one of the most important parts of any investigation. It is the way by

which the study is conducted. It includes some chronological steps that are necessary to

complete the study successfully (Alam et al, 2014).

In the war of ecosystem based assessment and sustainable management

approach against the vulnerability, the DPSIR tool of Integrated Environmental

Assessment could be used as a strong weapon. According to the DPSIR framework

there is a chain of causal links starting with ‘driving forces’ (economic sectors, human

activities) through ‘pressures’ (emissions, waste) to ‘states’ (physical, chemical and

biological) and ‘impacts’ on ecosystems, human health and functions, eventually

leading to political ‘responses’ (prioritization, target setting, indicators) (EEA 1999).

Describing the causal chain from driving forces to impacts and responses is a complex

task, and tends to be broken down into sub-tasks, e.g. by considering the pressure-state

relationship.




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Figure 1: DPSIR framework (EEA 1999)

2.1 Study Area

Hakaluki Haor is Bangladesh's largest and one of Asia's larger marsh wetland

resources. Some 190,000 people live in the surrounding Hakaluki Haor area. Hakaluki

Haor is a shallow basin nested between the Patharia and Madhab hills in the East and

the Bhatera hills to the West. Hakaluki Haor located in the northeast of Bangladesh

latitudinally between 24o35΄N and 24o45΄N and longitudinally between 92o00΄E and

92o08΄E.




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Figure 2-3: Map of study area (Hakaluki Haor)

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

3.1 IEA of Hakaluki Haor Ecosystem by Using DPSIR Framework

According to the DPSIR framework there is a chain of causal links starting with ‘driving

forces’ through ‘pressures’ to ‘states’ and ‘impacts’ on ecosystems, human health and

functions, eventually leading to ‘responses’. Driving forces are the socio-economic and

socio-cultural forces driving human activities, which increase or mitigate pressures on

the environment. Pressures are the stresses that human activities place on the

environment. State, or state of the environment, is the condition of the environment.

Impacts are the effects of environmental degradation. Responses refer to the responses

by society to the environmental situation.




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3.1.1 Drivers

Non Climatic Drivers:

a). Driver 1 Growing Population - Hakaluki Haor is a marsh wetland ecological

system of Eastern Bangladesh. Hakaluki Haor is one of Bangladesh's largest and one of

Asia's larger marsh wetland resources. Some 190,000 people live in the surrounding

Hakaluki Haor area. Among them male are 55.27%, female 44.73%. More than 200000

peoples are indirectly depends upon the resource of Haor area. Moreover, another

critical reason contributing to growth of the local population is migration to this Haor

area for a better employment opportunity. Apparently, rapid population growth along

with more industrial activities is primary driving force that exerts pressures on the

natural environment.

b). Driver 2 Agriculture - About 37.9% of total population in this area depend on

agriculture and 11.4% of people are agricultural laborer. In dry season people use to

perform agriculture practices in beel as there is less water in the beels, this small

amount of water they use to irrigation of paddy field. In winter season Boro crop

production in 16151.42 acre of land 35.21% of land use for rice cultivation at the

seasonal parts of beels and Haor edges. 8637.78 acres of land use for Rabi crop

production which is about 18.83% total land and main productions are oil seeds and

pulses cultivation at the higher elevated land along the edges of the Haor. Main

productive crop is Paddy. Agricultural activities taking place in the area is considered

as primary land-based driving force, which results pressure on the coastal environment

through discharging river flow accompanied with pollutants into the receiving water

bodies over there.

c). Driver 3 fisheries - The importance of fisheries and aquaculture in the economy is

very high and increasing day by day. It has to be noted that almost all of the

aquaculture processing plants such as hatcheries are located here. 12364.13 acres of beel

area which is about 26.95% of land use for fishing, bird hunting, aquatic vegetation

collection for food, fodder and fuel. And 1532.56 acres of river and canals which is

about 3.34% of total area is using for Fishing, boating and transportation.




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Climatic Drivers:

a). Flood - Floods are more or less a recurring phenomenon in Bangladesh and often

have been within tolerable limits. But occasionally they become devastating. Floods

relatively are flows of water that overtops the natural or artificial banks in any of the

reaches of a stream. When banks are overtopped, water spreads over the floodplain and

generally causes problems for inhabitants, crops and vegetation. Since floodplain is a

desirable location for man and his activities, it is important to control floods so that the

damage does not exceed an acceptable level. The catastrophic floods of Hakaluki Haor

area 1987, 1988, 1998 and 2004.

b). Flash Flood - A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying areas

washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a

storm, tropical storm or melt water from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or

snowfields. Flash floods are distinguished from a regular flood by a timescale less than

six hours. The temporary availability of water is often utilized by foliage with rapid

germination and short growth cycle, and by specially adapted animal life. Flash

flooding occurs when precipitation falls too quickly on saturated soil or dry soil that has

poor absorption ability. The runoff collects in low-lying areas and rapidly flows

downhill. Flash flood occurs in Haor area every year due to rain falls in upstream

(Cherapujee, Sheilong). In 26.04.09 sudden swell of Juri river has been occurred due to

heavy rainfall and huge upstream water flow in Moulivibazar area. Due to this flash

flood around 250 acres of paddy land of Hakaluki Haor has gone under water and

caused massive damage. The height of the water reached up to 3 feet in these Beel areas.

c). Waves of Haor - Waves of Haor are locally called afal. It generated by the wind

action. It is the common phenomenon of Haor area in monsoon season. Height of the

haor is about 5 to 8 feet. Afal causes Haor bank erosion.

3.1.2 Pressures

Hakakuli Haor faces the most critical pressure which is use of the resources from this

wetland is for fuel wood. Due to the scarcity of fuel wood around homesteads, the

people are becoming increasingly dependent on this source of fuel. Swamp forest trees,

except for Hijol, are the most popular fuel wood in these areas. However, all woody

shrubs including grasses are also used for this purpose. The naturally regenerating




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saplings in the swamp forests are being harvested at a non-sustainable rate because of

the scarcity of fuel.

Thatching material is the most useful natural wetland product of the area. The

people in the vicinity use this material in various ways: for example as roofing, wall or

wall panel material for their houses and for making mats. The utilization of wetland

products is now less intensive, because in recent years the vegetation has decreased

considerably.

Flood is the annual recurrent problem of the country especially in Haor areas

causing huge loss especially in financial terms that includes crops making the affected

people vulnerable to poverty. The sudden influx of water from the rivers of which a

major part is located outside the country always causes serious damage to lives and

livelihoods.

The main environmental problem of the Haor area is flood and flash flood. They

occur due to heavy rain, rain fall in upstream (Shillong, Cherrapunjee, and Tura) then

the flash flood occurs. Flash flood is a common scenario of Haor region. This area is

infected by flash flood every year. It causes damage to the standing crops.

Flood occurs in Sylhet region generally in monsoon period. Maximum flood occurs in

the time of mid-June to early August

The Hakaluki Haor ecosystem is subject to a variety of threats and pressures.

These are summarized as follows:

• Loss of reedland and swamp forest areas due to conversion for agriculture and

the removal trees for building and firewood.

• Reduction in surface area and depth of mother fisheries and other aquatic

habitats (beels) due to sedimentation, drainage and river diversion for irrigation.

Sedimentation is largely a result of logging in India in the watersheds of the rivers that

feed Hakaluki Haor.

• Degradation of reedland and grassland habitats due to overgrazing within the

Haor.

• Degradation of aquatic habitat due to agro-chemical (herbicides and pesticides)

pollution from tea estates.

• Loss of reproductive capacity of fishery due to inappropriate and unsustainable

fishing practices including the use of illegal nets and poison.

• Unsustainable levels of fuel wood collection.




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• Over-harvesting of amphibians, including turtles and frogs.

• Reduced bird populations due to hunting.

• Loss of genetic diversity due to increasingly intensive tillage of high-yield

varieties (HYV) of rice.

• Bird hunting.

Figure 4: Present condition of Hakalulki Haor (Degradation of beels) [source: CNRS 2002]




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3.1.3 States

Real scenario of the state of the Hakaluki Haor area is given bellow.

States State condition

Population

growing

Loss of agricultural land due to urbanization, Unplanned land use, Division

of land, Decrease Natural Resources, Forest land encroach, Increased food

demand. Land use conflict.

Agriculture

Declined soil fertility. Soil erosion. Soil quality degradation in deforested

areas. Residues pollute soil. Eutrophication in water. Causes death to the

aquatic organisms. Reduction of guest bird.

Fisheries and

aquaculture

Disturbance to aesthetic value. Morphological process disturbance due to

aquaculture. Overfeeding and by product. Excretion of chemical agents from

aquaculture.

Infrastructure

Loss of agricultural land. Decrease Haor area and aquatic resources.

Fragmentation of forested areas and riparian habitat. Exploitation of

construction material from natural sources.

Floods

Increase of flooding. Increase water related hazard. Increase river bank

erosion. Increase river bank shifting. Degraded land. Degraded water

quality.

Table 1: Current state of Hakaluki Haor




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3.1.4 Impact

Impact for population

growth

Depletion of resource.

Reduction of land area for cultivation.

Scarcity of land.

Increase of land price.

Overexploitation of fish.

Loss of healthy ecosystem.

Disturbance to wild species.

Impact for agriculture

Yield reduction.

Loss of Topsoil.

Gradual siltation in the beels.

Soil erosion.

Degradation of Soil Structure.

Impact for fisheries and

aquaculture

Loss of biodiversity due to loss of local fish species.

Chemicals have toxic effects to species and human.

Eutrophication.

Loss of guest bird species.

Impact for infrastructure

Degradation of Terrestrial and Wetland Ecosystems.

Disturbance of Movement of wild lives.

Productivity of agricultural land decline.

Decreased aquatic resources.

Destruction of Swamp forest.

Impact for flood and flash

flood

Destruction of standing crops.

Crop yield reduction and damages.

Disruption of livelihood system.

Damage of homestead and immobile infrastructure.

Economic loss.

Population displacement suffering of people.

Evacuation and loss of properties.

Table 2: Impact of Hakaluki Haor




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3.1.5 Response

The modern concept is that there exists a whole process of risk minimization activities

that have been identified to address crucial elements of disaster management, which

include its prevention or mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and

development. Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has taken initiatives to frame a disaster

management policy. This policy would take care of all aspects, such as accurate

definition of disaster threats, organizational arrangements required to prepare

responses to and recover from disaster events.

Response to Flood and Flash Flood:

Flood forecast and inundation modeling.

Dredging of river bed.

Construction of embankment.

Early warning system for flash flood.

Figure 5: A common DPISR model for Hakaluki Haor




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3.2 Management activities and adaptation

3.2.1 Management activities contain two objectives:

1. Objective 1: Species Conservation.

2. Objective 2: Ecosystem Restoration.

Objective 1: Species Conservation:

a). Birds - Overall bird numbers are declining at Hakaluki Haor and a significant

number are now vulnerable, threatened, and even critically endangered such as the

Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) and Pallas Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus).

This general decline is largely a result of habitat degradation, but also because of on-

going illegal hunting activities including the use of guns, nets, and poison. Caught birds

are either eaten or sold in local markets as a source of additional income usually for

poorer families.

b). Wildlife - The wildlife of Hakaluki Haor was once represented by a diverse array

animal life but rapid habitat degradation including deforestation, siltation, agricultural

encroachment, human habitation and settlement, and over-harvesting of wildlife

resources has left the ECA with many disappearing and declining populations and

more worryingly the complete loss in the area of some species altogether. Although

insect life remains relatively abundant, many small mammals, primates, reptiles, and

amphibian species are becoming more and more difficult to observe in the ECA; a fact

supported by many local community members. This rapid drop in numbers has

resulted in the listing of over 25 species as vulnerable, endangered, or critically

threatened. In some cases, the problem is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge whereby

local villagers will, for example, indiscriminately kill a snake fearing that it might be

poisonous whereas, in fact, many species found in the ECA are relatively harmless.

c). Fish and Fishing - The Hakaluki Haor wetland ecosystem is an important habitat for

a large variety of freshwater fish. Most recent data suggests that there are a total of 107

different species fish that inhabit the complex of Haor aquatic habitats including beels,

canals, rivers, and floodplains. For fish management purposes the most important

rivers have been identified as the Kushiara, Bardol, Juri, and Fanai as they are

responsible for feeding the floodplains outside of the ECA which are important




BANGLADESH


breeding grounds for fish in the summer months of rain. In Bangladesh, fish are

classified into two major groups. The first is referred to as “White Fish” and is

characterized by a life cycle spent predominantly in rivers. The other group is called

“Black Fish” and is distinguished by a life cycle spent predominantly in beels. Juri and

Bardal Rivers are the main migratory pathways for White Fish in and out of the ECA.

Fish migration within the ECA is predominantly via the Damai, Kuiachara, and

Kantinalla Rivers. Fish numbers in Hakaluki Haor are dropping as a result of a

combination of unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices. According to IUCN, 16

species are endangered, 12 are vulnerable, and 4 are critically endangered. Some of the

more destructive elements include the use of undersized nets, beel dewatering, use of

poison, brush pile fishing, spear fishing of parent fish, and habitat degradation.

d). Plants - Hakaluki Haor was once a landscape dominated by an assemblage of plant

species uniquely adapted to the aquatic conditions of Haor. Today, this vegetation

largely represented by swamp forest trees (Barringtonia aucutangulata, Pongamia

pinneta, Lagerstromia speciosa, and Trewia nodifolia), reeds (Phragmatis karka,

Arundo and Sacccharm), shrubs (Bontulshi and Bonalot and grasses (Phragmatis and

Hygrorhiza) is still present but in a highly degraded and fragmented form. Aquatic

plants (submerged, floating and amphibious) are also much less abundant and some are

now recognized as threatened such as Euryale ferox and Trapa bispinosa.

e). Ecological Monitoring Program - Ecological monitoring represents an important step

towards assessing the status of biodiversity and critical habitats at Hakaluki Haor, as

well as provides a scientifically sound basis upon which appropriate conservation

management decisions can be made. Such decisions will include prioritising the

recovery of endangered species and critical habitats, articulating strategies to safeguard

and prevent further plant and animal populations from becoming threatened, and

justifying the deployment of funds and human resources to protect at risk species.

f). Introduced Flora - Two species of reed (Ipomoea carnia and Ipomoea fistulosa) and

water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are invasive in Hakaluki Haor. They compete and

displace both aquatic and riparian plant species found in the ECA. The problem is

exacerbated by local communities who encourage the growth of these species as natural

hedging or fencing, and for the stabilization of soil along the banks of rivers, streams,

and canals. The most common exotic flora in the ECA includes Accia auriculiformis and

Acacia mangium, Samania saman, Mahagoni macrophyla. These species have been




BANGLADESH


introduced and are popular because they are suited to wetland conditions, grow

quickly, and yield good quality hardwood. The main drawback of these species is that

they are not the preferred habitat for Haor wildlife, and they are replacing indigenous

species of swamp forest plants because they are being planted in preference by the local

community.

g). Introduced Fauna - The Irrawaddy Squirrel (Calloscurus pygerytrus) is the most

common known invasive animal in Hakaluki Haor. It seems that it is more prevalent in

the west of the ECA where villagers regularly complain about it eating all the fruit from

their gardens. It does not seem to have affected or displaced other animal species of the

Haor.

Primary Outcomes are following:

a). Birds are protected, numbers are increasing, and threatened species are recovered.

b). Number and extent of invasive species reduced.

c). Increased data concerning status and trends of biodiversity.

d). Plant and plant communities especially swamp forests are protected.

e). Swamp forest cover is increased.

f). Fish are protected, numbers are increasing, and threatened species are recovered.

Objective 2: Ecosystem Restoration. The Convention on Wetlands of International

Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) is directed toward

the conservation and wise use of wetland habitats, as well as the conservation wetland

fauna and flora including migratory species, especially waterfowl.

a). Wildlife Sanctuaries - There are a number of sites throughout the ECA which are

particularly significant for the conservation of ecologically important or threatened

plant and animal species/ communities. The need to establish sanctuaries to protect

critically endangered species such as the Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), Pallas

Fish Eagle, Ganges River Dolphin (Platanisea gangetica), Common Otter (Lutra lutra),

Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei), Reticulated Python (Python reticulata), the

Asiatic Soft-Shell Turtle (Chitra indica), Bacha (Eutropiichthys vacha), Bagha Air

(Bagarius bagarius), Rita (Rita rita), and Gharua (Clupisoma garua) is particularly

urgent. A significant number of sites have already been identified as wildlife

sanctuaries especially for the protection of birds and fish. Initial work to priorities these




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sites have been undertaken but in many cases further research and data collection is

required.

b). Swamp Forest Plantations - Swamp forest species found at Hakaluki Haor unique

and highly specialized to the seasonal and prolonged inundation of the region, but

much of the resident wildlife of the area is highly adapted to this original vegetation

that was once abundant throughout the ECA. Many birds including the Pallas Fish

Eagle, Grey-Headed Eagle, and Brahminy Kite choose in preference swamp forest

species such as Hijol (Beringtonia aucutangulata) and Corotch (Pongamia pinneta) for

roosting and nesting; small mammals and reptiles seek refuge and shelter in the shrubs,

grasses and reeds which make-up the understory of the swamp forest; and beneath the

surface of the water the tangle of roots, stems, shoots and aquatic plant species creates

the perfect feeding and breeding ground for Haor fish.

c). Rivers, Canals, Beels and Water - The rivers, canals, and beels are an integral part of

the freshwater ecology of the Hakaluki Haor ECA. As a critical habitat for a wide

variety of plants and animals, and an important resource for many local communities,

the ecological integrity of these water bodies and waterways is coming under increasing

threat and rapid degradation is being observed. Siltation rates are increasing which

exacerbates flooding, rivers are being diverted for irrigation, beels are commonly de-

watered to catch fish, and more waste is being dumped in and around the ECA and

contaminating the water of the Haor. Other problems recently observed include the

blockage of the Sonai/ Bordol River where it enters Bangladesh from India.

Primary Outcome

Swamp forests are regenerating and being rehabilitated at selected sites

throughout the ECA in collaboration with local community groups.

The quality, health, and integrity of water, water bodies, and waterways are

improved.

Highly degraded water bodies (beels) are restored.

3.2.2 Common adaptation practices in Hakaluki Haor region

a). Agriculture - Agricultural production in and around Hakaluki Haor is dominated by

the growing of rice. In the past, farmers cultivated the many indigenous varieties of rice

common to the region. However, due to relatively low yields, production, over the

years, has increasingly shifted from local indigenous varieties to the use of High Yield




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Varieties (HYV). Although this is economically more rewarding for local farmers, these

issues are of particular to efforts aimed at the sound and sustainable management of

Hakaluki Haor.

Species variety Lifespan Production (tons per hector)

Bri-28 140 5

Bri-45 145 6.5

Bri- 29 165 7.5

Table 3: HYV Rice species and their production

It is wise to cultivate the Bri-45 rice as their life span is relatively lower and production

is higher. So standing crops may not affected by flash flood.

Primary Outcome

Agricultural is managed sustainably with increasing trends towards organic

production.

Indigenous rice varieties are re-introduced.

b). Using of Improve Stove - Improve stove used for fuel efficiency purpose. This kind

of stove can use up to 45% of total heat. Traditional stove can use up to 15% of total heat

energy. This process is useful for Haor area people as they use biomass for their cooking

purpose. Outcome: Swamp forest can be saved.

c). Submergible Dyke to Protect Crops from Flash Flood - Submergible dike build to

protect crops from the effect of flash flood. Local people make it by cutting of land. It

builds in dry season, in the time of production of Robi crop. It destroyed early monsoon

so that water can enter into the Haor. Outcome: Crops are protected. Food security

established.

d). Village Mound Protection - Relatively long wave in Haor is termed as Afal. Haor

bank erosion occurs due to afal. That causes great harm to local people and their

properties. People use to make barrier by using bamboo fence and Chilla grass. This

kind of fence reduces the effect of afal. Outcome: Villages are saved from Haor bank

erosion.

e). Easily Transferable Infrastructure - Constructions of easily transferable infrastructure

have usefulness in the time of flood and flash flood. It can be used as local haat or night




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school and some other purpose. Outcome: Infrastructures can move easily when

emergency.

f). Flood Proof Infrastructure - Flood proof infrastructure builds so that local people are

not affected by flood. Flood proof infrastructures build above extreme flood. It is a

common practice of local people of the Hakaliki Haor region. CDMP, UNDP, and some

other NGOs provide technical and economic supports to the poor with the support of

GOB. Outcome: Many people saved from flood. Digester has less catastrophic effect.

g). Crop Diversification - It is another adaptation technique of the farmers. In this

technique farmers used to cultivate different short life crop which is capable to adapt

with seasonal and environmental stress. Wheat, pulse, garlic onion and some other crop

are cultivated.

h). Alternative Fuel Use - Corotch is abundant tree species of Hakaliki Haor area. In

recent times scientist showed that oil of Corotch (Pongamia pinneta) can be used as

biofuel. This kind of oil can extract from seed of Corotch. This oil can be used as instead

of kerosene oil. People of Haor area use this kind of oil for lighting of torch, lamp and

so on. Outcome: It is environmental friendly technology and cost effective too.

3.3 Limitations of the Study

To investigate the effects on surrounding localities due to climate change in wetland

and flood plain area, is an experimental, long and time consuming work and also

expensive.

4. CONCLUSION

The Haor system provides a wide range of economic and non-economic benefits to the

local people as well as to the people of Bangladesh. These include benefits in terms of

fish production, rice production, cattle and buffalo rearing, duck rearing, collection of

reeds and grasses, collection of aquatic and other plants. The haor system also protects

the lower floodplains from flash floods occurring in the months of April-May, recharges

the water tables, maintains the supply of fish in other lower riparian water bodies,

provides habitat for migratory and local waterfowl. The fact that Hakaluki haor has

been designated as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) signifies its importance as a

reservoir of disappearing natural resources. This study underscores the reality that haor




BANGLADESH


also constitutes an important source of natural capital, which yields high economic and

livelihood values to surrounding populations and the country as a whole.

In Bangladesh, the population is increasing day by day at higher rates but the

natural resources are not increasing at the same time. Poverty greatly affects the

environment and poverty is at a critical stage on the study area, which will influence the

local people for continuous destruction of Haor resources. Prevention of further decline

of the wetland will require adoption of multiple-use land management based on

principles of sustainable development. An integrated management plan is needed that

includes utilization of wood and non-wood products, agriculture, fisheries and

conservation of biodiversity. A core area and a buffer zone would need to be

demarcated when allocating land use in wetland areas. Moreover, public awareness has

to be developed for wetland resource management. So, effective policies are needed for

sustainable management of the remaining wetlands.

REFERENCES

1. Alam M., Hasnine M. T. and Liza T. A. 2014. An Evaluation of Environmental

and Social Impact Due to Industrial Activities -A Case Study of Bangshi River around

Dhaka Export Processing Zone(DEPZ), Bangladesh, Int. Res. J. Environment Sci, Vol.

3(2), 103-111

2. CNRS (centre for natural resource Study). 2002. Bio-physical characteristics of

Hakaluki Haor. pp. 7-20

3. EEA .1999. Environmental Indicators: Typology and Overview. Tech. Report 25.

[Online]. Available from: http://www.reports.eea.eu.int

4. Harmeling, S. 2010. The Germanwatch Long-Term Climate Risk Index (CRI).

Availablefrom:http://meteo.vnu.edu.vn/bmkt/Danida/References/GLOBAL%20CLIMA

TE%20RISK%20INDEX%202010.pdf

5. IUCN, CNRS-Bangladesh. 2006. Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management

Project: Hakaluki Haor Component. Natural Resource Economic Evaluation of

Hakaluki Haor (Contract No: ADM/250/52/2005). Ministry of Environment and Forests,

Government of Bangladesh.

6. Kristensen, P. 2004. The DPSIR Framework. [Online]. Available from:

http://enviro.lclark.edu02/rid=1145949501662_742777852_522/DPSIR%20Overview.pdf

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AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HAKALUKI HAOR ECOSYSTEM USING DPSIR FRAMEWORK: A CASE...

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