AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │ April 2015 ISSN: 2392 – 876X Available online at: www.researchthoughts.us 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 Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342 1 Department of Political Studies, Shajalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114 2 Department of Statistics, Shajalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114 3 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: [email protected]. 1631 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 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 1632 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 can be organized and scaled up using the D-P-S-I-R system (Driving forces-PressureState-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 ForcesPressures-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. 1633 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 Figure 1: DPSIR framework (EEA 1999) The components of the DPSIR framework are defined in the following. Classes of data on the past and present situations are listed after each definition. 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. 1634 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 Figure 2-3: Map of study area (Hakaluki Haor) 3. RESULTS 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. 1635 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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. 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 1636 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 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 1637 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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. • 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. 1638 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 • Bird hunting. Figure 4: Present condition of Hakalulki Haor (Degradation of beels) [source: CNRS 2002] 1639 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 3.1.3 States Real scenario of the state of the Hakaluki Haor area is given bellow. States State condition Loss of agricultural land due to urbanization, Unplanned land use, Division of land, Population growing Decrease Natural Resources, Forest land encroach, Increased food demand. Land use conflict. Declined soil fertility. Soil erosion. Soil quality degradation in deforested areas. Agriculture Residues pollute soil. Eutrophication in water. Causes death to the aquatic organisms. Reduction of guest bird. Disturbance to aesthetic value. Morphological process disturbance due to Fisheries and aquaculture aquaculture. Overfeeding and by product. Excretion of chemical agents from aquaculture. Loss of agricultural land. Decrease Haor area and aquatic resources. Fragmentation Infrastructure of forested areas and riparian habitat. Exploitation of construction material from natural sources. Increase of flooding. Increase water related hazard. Increase river bank erosion. Floods Increase river bank shifting. Degraded land. Degraded water quality. Table 1: Current state of Hakaluki Haor 3.1.4 Impact Impact for population growth Impact for agriculture 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. Yield reduction. Loss of Topsoil. Gradual siltation in the beels. Soil erosion. Degradation of Soil Structure. 1640 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 Loss of biodiversity due to loss of local fish species. Impact for fisheries and Chemicals have toxic effects to species and human. aquaculture Eutrophication. Loss of guest bird species. Degradation of Terrestrial and Wetland Ecosystems. Disturbance of Movement of wild lives. Productivity of agricultural land decline. Decreased aquatic resources. Destruction of Swamp forest. 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. Impact for infrastructure Impact for flood and flash flood Table 2: Impact of Hakaluki Haor 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. 1641 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 Figure 5: A common DPISR model for Hakaluki Haor 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 ongoing 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. 1642 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 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 1643 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 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. 1644 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 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 1645 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 dewatered 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 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. 1646 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 1647 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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, 1648 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 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 1649 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015 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 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 1650 AMERICAN RESEARCH THOUGHTS- Volume 1 │ Issue 6 │2015
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