Abstract: It is well known that mangrove forests are enriched with a source of livelihood for coastal communities in developing countries which enhance coastal waters, yield commercial forest products, protect coastlines, and support coastal fisheries. Local communities in the coastal areas of Chittagong highly depends on fisheries and coastal resources for their livings. This study was conducted in three coastal villages, Bagachattar, Ichakhali and Kattoli, at Sitakunda-Mirsarai coast of Chittagong using Participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) tools. Participatory rapid appraisal was utilized to elucidate the mangrove related livelihood activities in the coastal communities. A total of 23,838 ha has plantation and exist in the 6528 ha in study areas. The main causes of destruction are river erosion, cyclone and human encroachment. The Ichakhali and Bagachattar area have no aquaculture practice commercially though the areas are suitable for commercial culture. In Kattoli area commercial aquaculture farm have been grown rapidly which increase the pressure on adjacent mangroves.
Keywords: Mangrove forests, coastal communities, livelihood, river erosion, human encroachment, aquaculture
