Urban Development and Biodiversity loss; Risk andOpportunitiesThe Case of Dhaka Metropolitan Region

Biodiversity refers to the variety of biological resources e.g. living organisms, gifted bythe nature for the existence of mankind. Ecological Resources and conservation includemanagement of biodiversity (Flora and Fauna). Urbanization is a global phenomenonthat profoundly affects natural ecosystems. As cities expand, they encroach uponnatural habitats, leading to changes in biodiversity. Understanding the relationshipbetween urban development and biodiversity loss is crucial for sustainable urbanplanning and conservation efforts. This paper aims at evaluating the urban developmentversus biodiversity loss to identify the risks and opportunities. It follows a systematicprofessional judgement on the impacts of Dhaka’s main development plans onbiodiversity loss. It also follows a case study approach based on a documentationalreview to organize the risks and opportunities. The results indicate that a largeproportion of Dhaka Metropolitan Region (DMR) is under a sever biodiversity losscaused by rapid urban development process. A substantial number of DMR’s remainingplants, mammals, birds, and reptiles are currently under tremendous pressure.Nevertheless, this unique natural landscape offers unique opportunities for Dhaka (andBangladesh in general). Creating an environment for ecotourism, helping to mitigate theeffects of climate change, balancing groundwater levels, etc. are corners of thecoordination and service of natural components to humans in Dhaka.

Keywords:

Biodiversity , Urban Development , Bangladesh , Dhaka , Risks