Protecting Kuakata: How Climate Change is Endangering Coastal Biodiversity and the Green Belt

Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Kuakata, a coastal area in southern Bangladesh. Once a lively tourist spot known for its beautiful beaches, it now faces severe erosion and loss of biodiversity. Local residents and environmental advocates are increasingly worried about these changes.

The 18-kilometer stretch of beach includes areas like Gangamati and Jhaubon. Over the years, rising sea levels and powerful cyclones like Sidr, Aila, and Mahasen have devastated the landscape. Vegetation is disappearing, and protective sand dunes are eroding fast.

“We’ve never seen the sea come this close,” said Mohammad Jalal, a 62-year-old fisherman. He remembers when the shoreline was a kilometer away. Now, water laps at his doorstep. “We’ve lost our coconut and keora trees—our natural shield is gone.”

Rehana Khatun, a local snack vendor, also reminisces about the lush greenery of her childhood. “There were thick forests. Now it’s bare,” she says. The storms feel fiercer, giving her nowhere to seek shelter.

The decline in natural beauty worries those in tourism. “The shade from the trees used to attract visitors,” noted Mamun Hossain, a hotel manager. “Now, people take pictures of fallen trees, but that won’t last. Tourism is in danger.”

### Threatened Mangroves

In the 1960s, the Forest Department planted mangroves along Kuakata’s shore to combat flooding. These included species like gewa and chaila. However, recent estimates reveal that around 20,000 mangroves are now critically endangered due to erosion and saltwater intrusion.

Amina Begum, who once heard birds sing and collected firewood, shares her concern. “Even the birds are disappearing,” she says. There are fewer crabs and fish in the area too.

The environmental fallout extends to agriculture. “The soil has turned salty, and we can’t grow vegetables anymore,” laments Abul Kalam, a seasonal farmer. “Many trees rot in the water. Nothing survives.”

### Urgent Restoration Needed

Experts warn that Kuakata’s situation mirrors the challenges facing many coastal regions. Kazi Amdadul Hoque, a climate specialist, states, “This collapse is a sign of what’s to come. Without urgent action, more communities will be displaced.”

Local officials acknowledge the issues and plan to respond. Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) said, “We’re starting a coastal restoration program, removing dead trees and planting salt-resistant species. We aim to involve the community in long-term conservation.”

Environmental advocates call for stronger government support and international aid for protective measures. “It’s not just about saving trees,” emphasizes Hoque. “It’s about protecting our people, culture, and coastline.”

### The Bigger Picture

Current studies reveal that climate change impacts are not just local; they can have global repercussions. According to a 2022 UN report, coastal communities worldwide face similar threats. Urgent action is key to preserving not only ecosystems but also the human lives dependent on them.

The situation in Kuakata serves as a wake-up call. Local communities are fighting to adapt, but they need wider support to tackle the challenges of climate change looming over them.



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Climate change and recurring natural disasters have devastated the coastal green belt of Kuakata, a once-thriving tourist destination in southern Bangladesh, sparking concern among residents and environmentalists over escalating erosion, biodiversity loss, and weakened disaster resilience.