Devastations at Manpura Island: A wake-up call for climate action

As global climate negotiators are in action at COP29, a new study sheds light on the alarming consequences of climate change on Bangladesh's coastal ecosystems, with a sharp focus on the fragile Manpura Island.

The research conducted by Joy Bhowmik, Haseeb Md Irfanullah, Samiya Ahmed Selim, and Mohammad Budrudzaman reveals the socio-economic and non-economic losses experienced by communities on the island due to slow-onset climate phenomena.

The findings call for urgent, evidence-based policymaking to mitigate these damages and foster resilience among affected populations.

Ecosystem Erosion and Its Toll

The study, conducted between 2020 and 2023 and published under a Creative Commons licence, reveals the severe impacts of salinity intrusion and sea-level rise on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Unlike human systems, ecosystems lack the adaptive capacity to cope with such changes, resulting in devastating consequences for communities reliant on them.

Economic assessments show that households on Manpura Island incur annual losses of $28 to $419 (approximately Tk3,000 to Tk46,000), with rice, fish, livestock, and crops among the most affected resources.

Cyclone Yaas further aggravated these losses, which inflicted additional damage on already vulnerable livelihoods.

The study, however, goes beyond monetary metrics to highlight the intangible yet profound non-economic losses (NELD) suffered by the islanders.

These include deteriorating mental health, increased insecurity, social fragmentation, and the depletion of soil fertility, all of which are deeply intertwined with the islanders' cultural identity and emotional well-being.

Call for Adaptive Measures

The researchers emphasise the importance of strengthening human capital as a cornerstone of ecosystem-based adaptation.

They advocate for investment in education, skills training, and livelihood diversification to mitigate future losses and enhance resilience.

One of the study's key recommendations is the development of web-based ICT platforms for documenting losses and damages in real-time. Such systems would provide policymakers with actionable data, fostering transparency and accountability in climate interventions.

Manpura: A Global Microcosm

Manpura Island starkly represents the challenges faced by countless vulnerable communities worldwide. Its plight underscores the necessity of incorporating non-economic losses into climate negotiations, an area often overlooked in mainstream policies.

"The value of ecosystems goes beyond material goods," the authors note, urging policymakers to adopt a holistic approach that recognises the cultural, emotional, and psychological dimensions of ecosystem services.

Erosion of Land and Heritage

Over the decades, Manpura has experienced significant ecological losses:

Land Loss: The island's area has reduced from 148 square kilometres in 1973 to just 114 square kilometres by 2010, with significant erosion along its northern and northwestern shores.

Soil Erosion: Heavy rainfall, cyclones, storm surges, and rising sea levels have stripped away fertile topsoil, threatening agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

Crop Loss: Agricultural land has decreased by 38% since 1990 due to morphological changes and human activities.

Cultural Erosion: The island's intangible losses, such as declining health, emotional distress, and a weakened sense of identity, have further alienated its inhabitants from their heritage.

Bangladesh's Role at COP29

As Bangladesh continues to champion the interests of climate-vulnerable nations, the plight of Manpura Island serves as a sobering reminder of what is at stake.

Bhowmik's and his colleagues' research is a clarion call for urgent action, highlighting the need for solutions rooted in local realities.

The study's findings underscore the necessity of protecting both the tangible and intangible aspects of ecosystem services.

As the world faces an intensifying climate crisis, governments and international bodies must prioritise the needs of communities on the frontlines.

According to the researchers, Manpura's story is not just a warning but a call to action for a sustainable, equitable future for Bangladesh and beyond.