The country has a comparatively low natural resource base and is one of the least developed agrarian nations in the world. Agriculture is the major economic sector and contributes to about 24 percent of the nations GDP, while 60 percent of the total land area is under cultivation. However, since its birth in 1971, there has been some growth in the industrial sector.
Population and Development Trends:
Source:
UNDP Human Development Report,
2007/2008
Key Environmental Problems
Land
degradation
Poverty together with rapid population growth, absence of a proper land use policy, and other driving forces have compelled people in Bangladesh to over-exploit natural resources like land, which forms a major focus for human economic activities.
The functional capabilities of the soil have deteriorated due to unbalanced use of agrochemicals, unplanned land use, encroachment on forest areas for agriculture and settlements, ineffective implementation of existing laws and guidelines, and improper disposal of hazardous industrial effluents. In addition, urban sprawl and infrastructure development have reduced the availability of land. Soil degradation in the coastal area results from unplanned land use, and due to intrusion of saline water. The extent of land degradation varies according to region, season, and year due to the diverse nature of the driving forces and causes.
Water
Pollution and Scarcity
The availability of surface and groundwater is highly responsive to the monsoon climate and physiography of the country, but is also dependent on upstream withdrawal for consumptive and non-consumptive uses. In terms of quality, the surface water of the country is generally unprotected from untreated industrial effluents and municipal wastewater, runoff pollution from chemical fertilizers and oil, and lube spillage in the coastal area from the operation of ports and ship breakage. A variation of inland surface water quality is noticed due to seasonal variation of river flow, operation of industrial units, and use of agrochemicals.
There is a seasonally moveable salinity interface in the coastal areas and estuaries, which can have detrimental impacts on agricultural activities and on the functioning of effected surface water ecosystems. The high arsenic concentration in the ground water is a major public health problem in many parts of the country.
Air
Pollution
In Bangladesh , air pollution has been identified as a priority environmental issue. Particulate pollution on its own or in combination with sulfur dioxide, leads to an enormous burden of ill health; causing at least 500 000 premature deaths, and 4-5 million cases of chronic bronchitis each year. In urban areas air quality has deteriorated due to human activities. There are two major sources of air pollution in Bangladesh , vehicular and industrial emissions, which are mainly concentrated in the cities.
Loss
of Biodiversity
Biological resources and diversity form the basis of both the ecology and economy of Bangladesh . The country's agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors are heavily dependent, both directly and indirectly on biological resources. Destruction of habitats, overexploitation, pollution and encroachment has lead to the depletion of the country's biological resources. According to the IUCN Red List, there are 54 species of inland fishes, 8 amphibians, 58 reptiles, 41 resident birds and 40 mammals are threatened throughout the country. Among the migratory species of animals 4 fishes, 5 reptiles, 6 birds and 3 mammals are threatened.
Natural
Disasters
Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country, with its geographical setting and various other anthropogenic activities making the country vulnerable to natural disasters. Almost every year one or more natural disasters including floods, cyclones, storm surges and droughts affect peoples live in some part of Bangladesh .
Chronology
of Major Events leading to Environment Protection & Sustainable
Development, during the last two decades. |
1989 |
Creation of Ministry of Environment
and Forest and the Department of Environment |
1992 |
Development
of the Environment Policy
|
1995 |
Development of the National
Environment Management Action Plan |
Legislation
The Environment Conservation Act, 1995 - is
the main legislative framework with the main objectives of conservation
and improvement; and control and mitigating pollution of
environment
Wildlife (Preservation) Act , 1974,
amended in 1994 - provisions for the preservation,
conservation and management of wildlife in the country
Forest Act, 1927, amended in 2000 - provisions
for the protection and development of forests
The
Groundwater Management Ordinance, 1995 - related
to tube well licensing
Environment Conservation rules ,
1997
Marine fisheries Ordinance , 1983
Marine
Pollution Ordinance ,
1980
Environment Pollution Control Ordinance,
1977
Factory
Act ,
1965
