In the lush, hilly landscapes of South-Eastern Bangladesh, a silent transformation has been unfolding over the past three decades, one that could have significant implications for the region’s energy sector and beyond. A recent study published in the open-access journal PLoS ONE, which translates to “Open Journal” in English, has shed light on the dramatic changes in land use and land cover in the upper Sangu-Matamuhuri Watershed (SMW), offering a stark warning about the future of this vital region.
The research, led by Ajit Kumar Rudra, employed advanced remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of land use and land cover changes in the SMW from 1988 to 2019. The watershed was categorized into five major land use classes: forest, agriculture, shrubland, settlement, and water body. The findings reveal a profound shift in the region’s landscape, with forest cover decreasing from 76% in 1988 to 54% in 2019, translating to an annual loss of approximately 2,134 hectares per year.
“This rapid deforestation is primarily driven by the conversion of forest patches to shrubland due to deforestation and forest burning,” explains Rudra. “These shrublands are then cleared or re-burned for shifting cultivation, leading to a significant increase in agricultural land.”
The study highlights that agricultural land has expanded from 7% in 1988 to 25% in 2019, growing at an annual rate of 1,836.03 hectares per year. While this might seem like a boon for the agricultural sector, the rapid land use changes pose significant risks to the region’s ecosystem services and watershed resources.
One of the most concerning findings is the decrease in water bodies, the sole source of drinking water for indigenous communities and a crucial irrigation source during the dry season. The study reveals an average annual loss of 29.84 hectares of water bodies, indicating a troubling trend of drying water sources.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. The degradation of watershed resources and ecosystem services can lead to reduced hydropower potential, as well as increased costs and challenges in water management for energy production. Moreover, the loss of forest cover can exacerbate climate change, further impacting energy infrastructure and operations.
“This study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector,” says Rudra. “Without proper management of the watershed, these resources will soon be lost, and their role in socioeconomic and environmental development will be severely compromised.”
The research underscores the urgent need for sustainable watershed management practices in the SMW and similar hilly regions of the tropics. It also highlights the importance of integrating land use planning with energy sector strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and sustainable development, studies like this one provide invaluable insights into the complex interplay between land use changes and energy sector impacts. By heeding these warnings and taking proactive measures, we can strive to protect and preserve these vital resources for future generations.
The findings of this study, published in PLoS ONE, offer a critical roadmap for policymakers, energy sector stakeholders, and conservationists to navigate the complex landscape of sustainable development in the face of rapid land use changes.