The New Nation - Internet Edition

These days most newspaper columns are replete with stories of the cyclone hit areas depicting peoples' struggle to put their lives together. Various agencies, particularly Bangladesh Forest Department, are already making an assessment of the damage to Sundarban as a result of cyclone Sidr.

Some experts voiced their opinions on the recovery strategies. Nonetheless, it is important that the ecological dynamics of Sundarban be taken into consideration before putting any such strategy into action.

The Sundarban mangrove is an ecological playground of nature. Unlike plantations, processes such diurnal ebb-tide, episodic disturbance like the cyclone Sidr, have been shaping this magnificent forest over many centuries, if not thousands of years.

Forest management including recovery activities, e.g., salvage- harvesting and cleaning of debris from the forest floor should, therefore, be in symphony with these processes, in order to maintain a sustainable ecosystem. Over time, Sundarban will recover from the wounds of cyclone and many might wonder in awe in 10-20 years time that a cyclone as devastating as Sidr was ever hit this magnificent forest.

Abu M. Nurullah, Ph.D.

Forest Management Specialist

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

1111 Washington St SW, Olympia, WA 98504, USA