Geospatial and temporal assessment of Belai Beel: a seasonally flooded freshwater wetland in Bangladesh with special reference to its socio-ecological condition

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to investigate the changing trends of physical and socio-environmental aspects which help in a better understanding about the Belai Beel, Gazipur, Bangladesh. The study used primary data by integrating mixed method approach including linear transect field survey, herbarium technique, specimen collection, questionnaire survey etc. Secondary data was also incorporated through the integration of Google Earth Engine and statistical analysis to enhance the quantitative approach. Primarily, the study shows Belai Beel has diverse soil type, mainly deep red brown and acid basin clay with clay-loam textures that support sediment retention. Moreover, the wetland also exhibits slow permeability and poor drainage conditions which are essential for agricultural productivity of Gazipur Region. Furthermore, the results also revealed that several months except March and June experienced a declining water extent trend starting 2015 to 2022 through multimodal statistical techniques which does not reflect the standardization of a wetland according to the Ramsar convention and protocol. Over time, Belai Beel has hosted a diverse range of flora and fauna, as the study has indexed 15 plant species, 14 avifaunal species, 12 mammal species, 9 reptile species and 39 fish species and most of them faces a concerning declining trend in the close proximity of wetland. Moreover, Belai Beel serves as a major source of income and food for the local people, some significant changes like alteration of water extent and soil pollution have decreased the significance of the wetland in terms of water usage, food source, fish production and occupational status etc. As a result of chi square test of independence (df = 1, N = 55, χ2 = 15.416, α = 0.000086 < p = .05) indicates due to the degradation of the wetland, people who are engaged with Belai Beel are shifting their economic activities into another sector for the degradation of the wetland Therefore, these issues uphold the urgency of restoration and conservation management of Belai Beel by governmental and non-governmental organization along with public awareness for archiving sustainable environmental management.