Detrimental Consequences of Unethical Anthropogenic Interventions upon the Ecosystem of Teknaf Peninsula, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

The eastern coastal zone of Bangladesh is endowed with dynamic Terrestrial ecosystem. The wide river estuaries, the uninterrupted Teknaf coast, and the rich biodiversity of the study area provide ample opportunities for socio-economic development. Nevertheless, the terrestrial ecosystem of the east coast has been deteriorating in an accelerated rate owing to unethical anthropogenic interventions. Few studies regarding ethical attitudes of local communities to conserve the coast were conducted earlier. The main theme of the study was to identify the detrimental consequences of unethical anthropogenic intervention upon the terrestrial ecosystem of Teknaf Peninsula, Chattogram. The objectives were (i) to measure the heavy metal concentration and (ii) the physio-chemical quality of soil, and (iii) to analyze the depletion of vegetation coverage at the study area. Five heavy metals like- Cadmium, Copper, Iron, Lead, and Zinc; and three physio-chemical parameters such as, the pH, Electrical Conductivity, and Temperature of sample soil were measured. The average concentration of Pb in soil (0.25 mg/g) is 10 times higher than world average (0.03 mg/g), while the concentration of Fe at Himchari area (S 03) soil is 1.54 mg/g more than world average (3.4 mg/g). The physio- chemical parameters are within standard range. Unethical discharge of toxic effluents from shrimp hatcheries, and municipal garbage dumping are main sources of pollution, which ensue into degradation of the terrestrial and coastal and marine ecosystems. Further, the vegetation coverage has depleted manifolds. Hence, the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh ¹ declared the area as an ‘Ecologically Critical Area’ (ECA). The concerned stakeholders, like- CPP volunteers and officials, Forest Division, Fisheries Research Institute, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Union Chairman and Journalists of Cox’s Bazar recommended insertion of moral ethics among local stakeholders through trainings, motivational lectures, demonstrations and dramas, as well as, incorporation of lessons about consequences of unethical and unscrupulous activities upon geo- environment into text books. Though least practice has been found regarding the practice of moral values and ethics during the survey, the present research advocates in developing ‘Knowledge pool’ about coastal environment, creating awareness, and developing moral ethics among the local, regional and national stakeholders.