Bangladesh bans single-use plastic usage in Sunderban forest

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Bangladesh has announced a ban on single-use plastics in the Sundarbans Mangrove Region forest, the world’s largest mangrove forest, due to the significant damage caused by tourists dropping plastic rubbish in the area.

The Sundarbans Mangrove Region in Bangladesh area is home to rare creatures such as the Bengal tiger and the Irrawaddy dolphin, and supports the livelihoods of fishermen and honey harvesters. However, the 200,000 tourists who visit each year have been leaving behind disposable water bottles, plastic food plates, cans, and other litter that is difficult to clean up and harms the ecosystem.

The ban covers 6,500 sq km (2,500 square miles) of the forest and was announced by Bangladesh’s environment minister, Md Shahab Uddin, who cited the severe damage caused by single-use plastics to the environment and biodiversity of the Sundarbans Mangrove Region.

The announcement was welcomed by environmentalists, who have long been concerned about the threats to the area, including a coal-fired power station and coal transportation through the forest’s rivers. Mangroves are crucial for protecting coastlines, improving water quality, supporting marine life, and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon.

The Sundarbans Mangrove Region is also important for buffering coastal communities from cyclones during the annual monsoon in Bangladesh.

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