The Sundarbans National Park has become a major concern for conservationists. A recent report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) downgraded its outlook from “Good with Some Concerns” to “Significant Concerns.” This shift occurred within just five years, highlighting growing environmental threats.
The IUCN report points to several issues. Salinity, contamination from heavy metals, and unsustainable resource extraction are causing serious harm. Climate change is also a big concern. Rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges are affecting the area’s mangrove trees, reducing their diversity.
Additionally, a disease known as “top dying” is impacting these crucial mangrove systems, particularly in Bangladesh. The report indicates that climate change has overtaken hunting as the main threat to natural heritage sites in Asia. Following climate change, other risks include tourism, invasive species, and infrastructure development like roads.
Human activities are accelerating habitat loss. The demand for land has led to deforestation and significant changes in land use. Poor waste management, illegal logging, and other development projects are putting further pressure on wildlife, even in protected areas.
Biodiversity loss is not just confined to the Sundarbans. Other notable areas, such as Manas National Park and the Western Ghats in India, are also under serious threat. However, some places like Khangchendzonga National Park remain in good condition for conservation.
According to the IUCN, nearly half of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites in Asia are experiencing significant management challenges. Globally, the picture is even bleaker. The latest assessment shows a decline in sites viewed positively for conservation, dropping from 63% in previous years to just 57%.
Climate change stands as the number one global threat to these sites. The report reveals that 43% of the 228 assessed sites face high or very high risks due to climate change. Alarmingly, between 2020 and 2025, the number of sites experiencing severe climate threats increased.
Invasive species also pose a serious problem, particularly in isolated ecosystems like the Galápagos Islands. Here, non-native species are a leading cause of extinction, with many invasive plants and animals disrupting the local ecology. The ongoing changes due to climate change are expected to worsen this situation.
The spread of wildlife diseases is another emerging threat. In just five years, the number of sites reporting high risks from pathogens jumped from two to 19. Predicting how invasive species and diseases will react to climate change is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
Experts emphasize the importance of a “One Health” approach. This means recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, and ecosystems for better health outcomes. As we face these challenges, collaboration will be key to preserving not only the Sundarbans but all endangered natural sites globally.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the full report by the IUCN here.
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