Livelihoods dependence on mangrove ecosystems: Empirical evidence from the Sundarbans

This study explores the extent of the conditions under which the population living in surrounding rural villages of Sundarbans depend on mangrove ecosystems. Based on an extensive survey of 1188 households from 35 coastal villages, this study explains the livelihood strategies around Sundarbans and determines dependence factors. The logistic regression result shows the income level, gainful employment, proximity to the resource, and other demographic attributes are the determinant of dependence at the individual level. Four out of five people did not believe in the loss of the Sundarbans ecosystem shortly. The future survival of the Sundarbans ecosystem requires less-extractive diversification activities