The Sundarbans Delta: Location and Ecology

The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, located in the delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Geographic Split

• Bangladesh: ~60% (Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat districts).
• India (West Bengal): ~40% (South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas).

Landscape

• Closed and open mangrove forests.
• Intertidal mudflats, salt marshes, tidal creeks.
• Agricultural islands and human settlements on fringes.

Significance

• UNESCO World Heritage Site (both countries).
• Critical habitat for Bengal tiger, Irrawaddy dolphin, estuarine crocodile, countless birds/fish.
• Cyclone buffer for millions inland.
• Supports livelihoods: honey, timber, fishing, tourism.

The Sundarbans is a transboundary ecological treasure requiring joint conservation.