Impact of Wetland Development and Degradation on the Livelihoods of Wetland-dependent Communities: a Case Study from the Lower Gangetic Floodplains

Abstract

Wetland ecosystem services exceed those provided by terrestrial ecosystems and their 'wise use' has implications for achieving sustainable development goals. Yet we have lost almost 87% of wetlands since pre-industrial times with losses projected to be much higher by 2050 in developing economies, particularly in Asia. Little is known about how this loss impacts people's dependency at local scales in human-dominated landscapes. We identi ed 18 ecosystem services of Dankuni wetlands located in the Lower Gangetic Floodplains by analysing oral testimonies of wetland-dependent villagers. The ecosystem services include 12 provisioning services and two each of regulatory, cultural and supporting services. Farming and use of wetland products including molluscs, fuelwood, fodder, bre and sh was found to subsidize living costs and provide diverse livelihood options to local residents. Encroachment of wetlands by factories and blockage of its riverine connection was reportedly degrading the wetland's quality and eroding its ecosystem services since the last 20 years and especially since the last three years. In years of excessive and unseasonal rainfall such as during the study year, post-monsoon farming was severely impacted. We portray the human costs of wetland development which will affect vulnerable sections the most, especially landless widows and older residents. Respondents believed that it was possible to rejuvenate the wetland by restoring its riverine connections but stressed that local politicians had vested interests in supporting its degradation. We strongly assert the need to increase government accountability for protection of wetlands amidst a determined pursuit of development at the cost of sustainability.

Sustainable Wetland Management Using the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework as a Guide in the Sierra Leone Case

“…Finally, because wetland values and benefits are overlooked, residents residing in the vicinity bear the direct and greatest impacts of such actions (Loveline, 2015). Therefore, it is expedient for authorities to implement laws that allow wetland protection (Adhya & Banerjee, 2022).…”

Assessment of Community Dependence and Perceptions of Wetlands in the Upper Chindwin Basin, Myanmar

“…Research has also indicated that wetlands contribute positively to both mental and physical health, promoting overall well-being [13]. The significant dependence of indigenous communities on wetland ecosystems has been extensively documented globally, particularly in developing countries [14]. Current literature increasingly advocates for the dissolution of the dichotomy between humans and nature and the establishment of management systems that prioritize the active participation of local communities [14].…”

“…The significant dependence of indigenous communities on wetland ecosystems has been extensively documented globally, particularly in developing countries [14]. Current literature increasingly advocates for the dissolution of the dichotomy between humans and nature and the establishment of management systems that prioritize the active participation of local communities [14]. This advocacy is particularly crucial in contexts where ineffective governance, lack of transparency, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and corrupt practices persist [12,15].…”