Kuakata, a well-known coastal tourist destination in Patuakhali, is facing a quiet but serious environmental crisis. The mangrove forests that once formed a natural green shield along its 18-kilometre coastline are rapidly disappearing, taking with them a critical store of “blue carbon” and weakening coastal protection. Two decades ago, large stretches of Kuakata’s shoreline – especially the Gangamati Reserved Forest and surrounding areas were covered with mangroves and coastal trees. In 2010, the government declared 1,613 hectares of the area as KuakataNational Park, aiming to protect forests, wildlife, and the coast. Today, nearly two-thirds of that forest land has been lost. Locals say the national park now exists mostly on paper. While gates and boundary markers remain, much of the forest inside has vanished, leaving exposed sand, broken roots, and dead tree trunks. Mangroves are part of a group of ecosystems known as blue carbon habitats. These coastal ecosystems store large amounts of carbon in their trees and soils, helping slow climate change. In Bangladesh, natural mangrove forests can store between 115 and 257 tonnes of carbon per hectare – much higher than many land-based forests. When mangroves are cleared or degraded, the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere, adding to greenhouse gas emissions. This means that mangrove loss not only harms local ecosystems but also weakens national and global climate mitigation efforts.
Beyond carbon storage, mangroves act as natural coastal defenses. Their dense root systems hold soil in place, reduce erosion, and weaken waves and storm surges. Without this protection, coastal areas become more vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and cyclone damage. Kuakata’s coast is already under pressure from the Bay of Bengal. Strong waves regularly wash away sand from tree roots, and tidal surges uproot trees. Officials estimate that around 75,000 trees i.e mangrove, coconut, palm, and tamarisk – are lost each year due to erosion and tidal action. In some forest camps, hundreds of acres have already been claimed by the sea. Cyclones have added to the damage. Storms such as Sidr, Aila, Mahasen, Mora, and most recently Remal have repeatedly battered the area. Saltwater intrusion and prolonged flooding weaken tree roots, making forest recovery increasingly difficult.
Human activities have worsened the situation. Illegal tree cutting, sometimes involving burning, has cleared forest land for settlements and tourism-related businesses. Despite the national park status, weak enforcement has allowed forest destruction to continue. The loss of mangroves has direct impacts on local livelihoods. Mangrove forests serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crabs, and shellfish. Many fishers report declining catches, while residents note fewer birds and other wildlife. Tourism is also at risk, as the natural beauty that once attracted visitors continues to fade. Based on average carbon storage levels, the loss of nearly two-thirds of Kuakata National Park could mean the release of roughly 123,000 to 276,000 tonnes of carbon. This represents a major loss of blue carbon, coastal resilience, and ecosystem services.
Some positive initiatives are emerging. The youth-led Green Kuakata Campaign has been raising awareness, organizing clean-up activities, and promoting responsible tourism. Environmentalists, however, say such efforts need stronger policy support. Experts call for a comprehensive coastal management plan that prioritizes mangrove restoration, strict protection of remaining forest patches, and community involvement. Nature-based solutions – using mangroves instead of only concrete embankments can provide long-term protection. Recognising the climate value of blue carbon could also help attract climate finance for restoration. Kuakata’s disappearing mangroves are a warning for all of coastal Bangladesh. Protecting them is not just an environmental issue, it is essential for climate resilience, livelihoods, and the future of the coast.