POTENTIAL USES OF WATER HYACINTH FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Water hyacinth is an invasive alien aquatic species introduced to our country from tropical South America. This study aims at assessing the local people perception on water hyacinth, its management and sustainable use of water hyacinth in making it environmental friendly. Local people’s perceptions are key to sustainable management of water hyacinth because most of the information are relatable to potential use of water hyacinth that is environmental friendly and also can be helpful in case of improving their socio-economic status. To conduct the study properly a structured questionnaire having seven section with seven parameter has been prepared and went to the study area which are nearer to Roa beel. Roa beel is situated in Chandpur union, Katiadi upazila under Kishoregonj district. In rainy season excessive water hyacinth have been found in the study area and people of three village namely Sheker Para, Purbo Para and Modinas Para were interviewed according to the questionnaire. The study assesses local people’s perception regarding knowledge and understanding of water hyacinth, their management techniques, advantages and disadvantages of water hyacinth and its practical use in their daily household life and different sectional activities including fishing, livestock, agricultural farming activities especially in floating agricultural practices and in industrial purposes. From the study findings we established that excessive amount of water hyacinth of the beel can be developed into a potential and promising sector for the locality especially by making water hyacinth into low cost and environmental friendly animal feed, bio-fertilizer and biogas. That will definitely help in sustainable environment management and will also create a better income generating opportunity for the local unemployed people.