This book with 33 chapters divided into five parts is a compendium of selected papers from the conference that can be broadly categorized as land and water management, fisheries and aquaculture and rice-based agriculture systems. Intensification of aquaculture and rice-based agriculture frequently produces negative effects that range from environmental degradation to social conflict; managing these impacts in a sustainable manner is imperative to protect the social and ecological foundations of tropical deltaic systems. New approaches to the intensification and diversification of rice-based production systems are presented in this book, which could impact positively on the livelihoods of millions who inhabit the deltaic areas of South, South East and East Asia if implemented on a large scale. More importantly, these innovations could begin to reverse man's current exploitive behaviour and ensure the preservation of critical ecosystems. A significant section of the compendium is devoted to the intensification of marine shrimp aquaculture production. Negative impacts associated with shrimp production are well recognized, and several innovative approaches to waste management are presented. Further critical questions are raised over the introduction of exotic shrimp species and the long-term impact this could have on native species, which suggests a cautionary approach to future development. A clear consensus emerged from the conference that highlighted the importance of social mobilization and the role of communities in decision making.

Heavy metals and arsenic (As) are hazardous to the environment and human health. In concert with the problem of metallic contaminants, certain macrophytes in wetlands are harmful invasive alien plants (IAP). Nevertheless, there exists a knowledge gap, that whether all IAP are nuisance or possess certain beneficial role as bioresource in environmental amelioration. Present study conducted microcosm experiments to investigate the heavy metals and As phytoremediation potential of IAP (Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin. ex Steud. and Arundo donax L.). The results revealed the significant but differential heavy metals remediation (31.0 to 73.3%; p ≤ 0.01) and anti-oxidative defence potential (in terms of enzymatic activity) of IAP. Highest translocation factor (TF-0.89) was noted in case of P. karaka for Zn. Rhizofiltration (TF < 1) was observed as main phytoremediation mechanism. In the present experimental design, P. karka was noted as better phytoremediation tool than A. donax. In future studies, phytoremediation potential of these IAP can be tested at field scale, in conjunction with ‘Water-energy food (W-E-F) nexus’ and ‘biorefinery’ co-benefits.