Assessing the Human Impacts on Nature in Bangladesh: Adoption of European Hemeroby Approach

Abstract

The overall objective of the study was to assess the levels of human impacts on nature based on the European hemeroby approach in Bangladesh. Empirical data was used in this study. Based on the respondents’ perceptions, a set of parameters was developed and compiled in a matrix. Forest, vegetation, landscape and biodiversity were identified as the scale of naturalness. It was found that ahemorobic (disturbance-free) habitats are absent in Bangladesh. The natural forest remnants are highly degraded and fragmented. The probability of emerging natural successional forests is disappearing due to the massive destruction of natural regeneration. The natural landscape is degraded by unplanned urbanization and industrialization. Biodiversity is in peril due to natural habitat destruction, logging and poaching. The study advocated for a mitigation strategy to heal nature.

Keywords: hemeroby, ahemorobic, naturalness, human disturbance, habitat destruction, unplanned urbanization, biodiversity, peril