WATERLOGGING THREATEN BIODIVERSITY ALONG THE SOUTH-WEST COASTAL REGION OF BANGLADESH

Water logging started appearing as silent killer to the lives and livelihood of the south west coastal region of Bangladesh. Data were collected  through FGD (Focus Group Discussion), KII (key Informant Interview) and questionnaire survey from three water logged villages of three unions of Tala upazila of south-western region. The study reaches to the conclusion that duration of water logging and peoples’ response to that situation are two important factors that determine the impact of water logging in the study area. A substantial number of birds, livestock, fisheries, as well as plants and vegetation are disappearing from the flora and fauna of Tala upazila. The study also finds that water logging affects peoples’ wellbeing by narrowing down the livelihood options of the people. Water logging squeezes the scope for maintaining household economy by reducing the number of livestock, fisheries, and restraining the growth of vegetation, fruit trees and timber trees. Increased salinities are also appearing as silent threat associated with the detrimental biodiversity.