The Sundarbans is a unique mangrove ecosystem of considerable ecological and economic value. The Sundarbans has supplied products and services to mankind for centuries and has been under systematic management for more than 100 years. The forest is now showing signs of degradation. Forest cover, species diversity and ecosystem function have declined, even though several forest policies, laws and management plans have been enacted to protect the forest. The effectiveness of these policies and plans is limited by the poor implementation capacity. Management inadequacies and alternatives that may help to conserve the Sundarbans are discussed.