Climate Change in the Forest of Bengal Duars

Response of Life and Livelihoods

verfasst von: Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : SpringerBriefs in Environmental Science

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

This book focuses on more than 100 years of climatic oscillation in Bengal Duars, a unique foothill landscape of the Eastern Himalaya, to discuss the dynamics of life and livelihoods of forest dependent communities towards climate change related impacts. The authors describe the struggles the people of this region face, including climate vulnerability, displacement, migration, and human-animal conflict, and provides a unique and comprehensive analysis of the interconnection between perceptions and responses of forest villagers for survival and adaptation to climate change. The book presents advanced quantitative methods and field-based studies applied in the region to help researchers and policy makers comprehend and measure potential and actual adaptation attitudes of the villagers, while also understanding the present challenges, risk patterns, and potential impacts climate change has on the natural environment and community life. The book will additionally be of interest to students and researchers in geography, forestry, ecology and environmental science.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

The Asia-Pacific region is the least forested region (0.2 hectares per capita) in the world, and most of the forest cover is threatened by human disturbances. Bengal Duars, a region well known for its forests and biodiversity lays in the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya. Other than anthropogenic disturbance in forests, climate change and associated vulnerability are becoming a serious threat in such a landscape. According to the climate risk index, most of the Asian countries are in vulnerable condition and will be severe in future due to climate change. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief note on the theme of the study, review of literatures on the aspects of climate change, vulnerability and adaptation in the context of Asia. This analysis further helps to identify the research gaps, objectives, and also to frame the methodology accordingly to enhance the relevance of the present study.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Chapter 2. The Bengal Duars: A Foothill Landscape of the Eastern Himalaya

Abstract

The Bengal Duars region is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya and characterized by unique physiography, climate, and rich biodiversity. Alongside, the region is also a cultural hub of indigenous people. The region has experienced a long evolutionary history and environmental change from the pre-colonial to the Independence period. The rules and controls over this region specifically on forest resources have changed over time. In this chapter, an effort has been made to explore the identity and evolution of the region and to describe physical as well as socio-economic characteristics of it.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Chapter 3. Forestry of Bengal Duars

Abstract

Forest is the backbone of Bengal Duars with rich biodiversity. A set of drivers is at play to cause forest degradation over time. Growing anthropogenic activities like mining, quarrying, logging, encroachment, tourism, etc., are affecting the region as well. Economic activities often deject ecological benefit of the forest which can further cause degradation of the whole landscape in future.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Chapter 4. Climate Change in Bengal Duars

Abstract

Climate change is a natural phenomenon, but the present rate of change is quite faster than it was perceived before. In the era of the Anthropocene, human modification of the surrounding natural environment acts as an incentive to alter and change the rhythm of a natural system like climate. The present chapter is aimed not only to explore past and present changes of climatic variables but also to project future trends that may affect the Bengal Duars region.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Chapter 5. Assessment of Vulnerability

Abstract

Vulnerability-based approach includes both climatic and non-climatic factors under the domain of sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity. Assessment of vulnerability at spatial level is an utmost necessity in climate change-related impact studies as it helps the government authority to prepare sector-wise plans and to make aware local people about the situation so that they may adapt well with the changing condition of climate and associated risks. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to estimate the level of vulnerability of the forest villages located in different forest divisions of the Bengal Duars region.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Chapter 6. Perception and Responses of the Forest Villagers

Abstract

In the discourse of human–environment relationship, environmental change can be studied through human’s perception and responses. In this section, climatic and non-climatic changes and its impact on life has been studied by considering people’s perception, which is based on their experiences, belief and value of life, and responses that are reliant on action and reaction of life of forest villagers. Livelihood is an economic dimension of life and a means of securing basic needs of life and an interesting outcome of human–environment relationship. It can be an asset if the relationship is synchronised well, and if not, can create complex and crisis in livelihood.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Chapter 7. Adaptation Attitudes of the Forest Villagers

Abstract

Adaptation attitudes of the forest villagers implies their responses towards resilience building to cope with the changing climatic conditions in Bengal Duars. This chapter intends to identify the interlinkages between people’s concern or belief regarding adaptation and the impact of livelihood assets on their adaptation attitudes. Determination of the influencing factors and the processes responsible towards adaptation are also important issues to give emphasis in this study.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Chapter 8. Recommendations and Conclusion

Abstract

In developing countries like India, effective planning and strategies for vulnerable population are very important to ensure the safety of their life and livelihoods to combat with the climatic risk and at the same time to save rich forest resources in the region. This chapter explores existing challenges, summarizes the findings and proposes recommendations for furtherance of the forested landscape.

Koyel Sam, Namita Chakma

Backmatter

Titel: Climate Change in the Forest of Bengal Duars
verfasst von: Koyel Sam
Namita Chakma
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-73866-2
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-73865-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73866-2