Sufia Zaman – författare

This book provides a cross-sectoral, multi-scale assessment of different environmental problems via in-depth studies of the Indian subcontinent. Data collected from different ecosystems forms a strong foundation to explore the topics discussed in this book. The book investigates how mankind is presently under the appalling shadow of pollution, climate change, overpopulation and poverty. The continuing problem of pollution, loss of forests, disposal of solid waste, deterioration of environment, global warming and loss of biodiversity have made nations aware of environmental issues. Many countries are desperately trying to move away from this adverse situation through technological development and policy level approaches. Through a number of case studies the authors provide details of ground level observations of the most environmentally stressed regions in the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

This book provides a cross-sectoral, multi-disciplinary assessment of different problems associated with estuarine acidification with special thrust on mangrove dominated Indian Sundarban estuaries. The arms of ocean acidification have extended to coastal and estuarine waters, where a wide spectrum of biodiversity thrives with unique adaptation extending several ecosystem services. Impact of acidification in these areas is a matter of concern as acidification potentially has more immediate effects on the health of estuaries and inshore regions as well as regional economies. Ground zero data collected for more than three decades have made the book stand on a strong base.

This book covers several innovative alternative livelihoods based on mangrove floral resources with their respective SWOT analysis. True mangrove flora and their associates in Indian Sundarbans are noted for their wide spectrum of ecosystem services in which livelihoods of the region are one of the most important components. Many alternative mangrove-centric livelihoods are in the pipeline of startup. However, due to difficulty in marketing and lack of clarity over ownership of natural resources, the values of the mangrove-based products have not been fully realized. Natural resources of several categories in Indian Sundarbans like oysters, seaweeds, medicinal mangrove flora, vitamin-rich mangrove fruits, etc. are still lying untapped. These untapped resources have been spun with the livelihood sectors of the Sundarban people backed up with sound business models to make the venture sustainable. The carbon foot prints associated with each of these livelihoods have been studied in details and steps have been suggested for net zero carbon livelihood programmes along with their sustainability. The book provides the readers about several mangrove-based cutting-edge researches and technologies in the domain of climate resilient livelihood, which if implemented can lead to food and economic security of the region.

True mangrove flora and their associates in the lower Gangetic region are noted for their wide spectrum of ecosystem services in which carbon storage and sequestration by the forest is one of the most important components. Many researchers are updating the carbon repository of the lower Gangetic delta mangroves with the aim to ascertain their role to reduce the carbon dioxide level of the near surface atmosphere. However, due to difficulty in assessment, marketing, and lack of clarity over ownership of natural resources, the mangrove-based carbon trading system has not yet crystallized.There is an estimated 13.76 Mha of mangrove forests world-wide, approximately 20% (2.6 Mha) of which is potentially investible for carbon finance projects, based on the probability of imminent threat. The magnitude and the variability of threats to which the mangroves of the lower Gangetic delta are exposed to have made the trading process more complicated. In addition, gaps also exist between the national government policy and the trading of the blue carbon projects, which has kept the future of such projects remain on hold. The authors put forward the views that the creation of more financial facilities for restoration and expansion of blue carbon (preferably mangroves) with the involvement of the local communities can provide the initial capital involved in developing mangrove-based carbon projects. This includes the costs of conducting feasibility studies, implementing capacity-building programs, monitoring the health of the mangrove plantation/restoration on regular basis, and creating mangrove-based alternative livelihood programs that will support island dwellers of the region in order to accelerate the magnitude of mangrove-based carbon projects leading to growth of the mangrove trading market.

The book presents recent research on marine ecology in different parts of the world. It aims to shed light on relevant topics for budding marine ecologists.

The “blue soup” of Planet Earth, which comprises both biotic and abiotic components, is essential to keeping the wheel of civilization running. Four major ecosystem service categories have been identified within this context, namely provisioning services such as water, food, mangrove timber, honey, fish, wax, fuel wood, fodder and bioactive compounds from marine and estuarine flora and fauna; regulating services such as the regulation of climate, coastal erosion, coral bleaching and pollution; cultural services encompassing recreational (tourism), spiritual and other non-material benefits; and supporting services such as nutrient cycling and photosynthesis. These valuable services are obtained from various resources that must be conserved for the sake of humanity. This book presents data for each resource type, not just in the form of a simple description, but also through case studies that resulted from several research projects and pilot programs carried out in different parts of the world. Statistical tools were also used to critically analyze the influence of relevant hydrological parameters on the biotic community. Advanced research in marine and estuarine ecology is based on the use of sophisticated instruments, sampling precision, statistical tools, etc., which have also been highlighted in the book.