Tropical Asian mega‐delta ponds: Important and threatened socio‐ecological systems

This paper uses multimedia to showcase the narratives and lived experiences of those who live work in tropical Asian mega-deltas, as such is first journal article its kind field Regional Geography. Using videos, photography audio this describes characteristics ponds their place intrinsically connected human-environmental fabric these delta regions. The aim bring life descriptive inventories provide greater weight support our conclusion that mega-delta are important threatened systems. River deltas comprise just 1% land cover worldwide but livelihoods more than 500 million people. Delta research has historically focused on major river channels socio-ecological role been overlooked despite large number surface area. Ponds linked daily (potable water, sanitation, bathing, washing), industry (aquaculture, agriculture) natural-cultural heritage (religion, folklore) deltas. In contrast larger channels, likely be significant stores processors nutrients, including carbon, pollutants at annual decadal scales, account heavy anthropogenic use smaller individual sizes. Consequently, they severely polluted water sources pose public health risks. review, we case studies from three mega-deltas (the Red Mekong Delta, Vietnam, Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna India Bangladesh) highlight importance systems own right. We discuss future environmental challenges, knowledge gaps ecological function biodiversity habitats, management policy practices, capacity achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals.