Two and Half Century’s Changes of World Largest Mangrove Forest: A Geo-informatics Based Study on Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh, India

Nur Hussain1, Rozina Khanam2, and Ebadullah Khan1

1. Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

2. Bangladesh University of Professionals, Bangladesh

Abstract: The world largest mangrove forest Sunderbans is located the southern coastal zone of Bangladesh and India. The ecologically rich world heritage site (UNESCO-1997) Sundarbans have been playing important role to protect the natural disaster. The economic importance of mangrove ecosystem is remarkable for Bangladesh and India both country. The mangrove bio-diversity and ecosystem of Sundarbans have created world famous tourist spot. During the demographic growth the Sundarbans have been decreasing. This research focused on geo-spatial charge of this mangrove forest during last 244 years. Historical maps Geo-informatics tools and techniques specifically Remote Sensing (RS), Geographical Information System (GIS) have been used to explore these changes. About 56.48% of total Mangrove forest have been lost during last two and half century with 0.23% yearly trend. The last half century it have lost 0.62% per year. The decreasing rate of Indian part more than Bangladeshi part. That is dangerous massage for Natural disaster protect, economy, Mangrove ecosystem and bio-diversity.

Key words: world heritage, natural disaster, remote sensing, GIS, mangrove ecosystem