Coastal livelihoods in SW Bangladesh are largely dependent on its natural resources of mangrove forest (timber, wood fuel, honey, fish and other aquatic species) agriculture and marine fisheries. Following construction of the coastal embankment and other development investment there have been drastic environmental changes.

Compensatory production plan strategizes enhanced production in the normally sown rabi and special boro/summer season crops particularly in the flood prone areas. High rainfall and better soil moisture during the extended terminal part of the rainy season 2012 provides ample opportunities to improve productivity in the rainfed region.

This policy brief is largely based on the World Atlas of Mangroves (2010) which provides a wealth of knowledge on the ecology, biodiversity, distribution, economic value, and management status of mangroves around the world.

This report – Avoiding Future Famines: Strengthening the Ecological Basis of Food Security through Sustainable Food Systems - is a unique collaboration of 12 leading scientists and experts involved in world food systems. The report addresses an important aspect of the food security discourse: the ecological foundation of food security.

Digging up earthworms, chasing butterflies and collecting clam shells could become a thing of the past if enough isn’t done to protect invertebrates. And if they disappear, humans could soon follow.