Integrated Protected Area Co-management (IPAC): a study of the principal marketed value chains derived from the Sundarbans reserved forest
This report investigates some aspects related to economics of the Sundarbans Reserve Forests (SRF), a world heritage that derives economic value from extracted goods, serves as coastal protection from cyclones, tidal surges and other 'natural' disasters, and provides livelihoods to the local and national economy. It addresses the sustainable use of the mangrove forest, which would yield higher welfare benefits than any other activities towards its development and help disaster management in coastal Bangladesh.
The study investigated aspects related to economics of resource extraction of 12 SRF products. The findings from the study have important policy implications, particularly in the context of the severe poverty situations in the Sundarbans impact zone. The study made specific policy recommendations on improving on the value chains of SRF actors, the terms of trade, the marketing system, economic conditions of bottom-layer actors in the value chain, co-management, conservation and overall sustainable harvest management of the SRF, and overall disaster management in 30-million populated coastal Bangladesh.