Unique Livelihood of Southern Sundarban
Ujjwal Sardar *
Department of Folklore University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Sundarbans delta is renowned as the largest mangrove forest reserve in the world, with distinct species of wild flora and fauna. It acts as a source of livelihood for several communities residing in its vicinity. Indigenous plants, honey extraction and fishing in rivers, lakes and rivulets have considerable economic value in surrounding markets. The local community is strongly attached to the land, air, water, animals and plants of the area, which have simultaneously become part of its culture and tradition over the years. The southern coastal villages of the Sundarbans are not the same as villages in other parts of the mainland. In the southern part, a large section of the people of the coastal Sundarbans belongs to the fishermen community, as maritime fishing is one of the most important occupations in the Sundarbans. The coastal village on the southern island is also called Dokhiner Abad. The village begins at the very start of the rise behind the mud embankment. At first glance from the embankment, it looks like any other village in the Sundarbans: a series of houses with thatched roofs, shacks and shops roofed with straw or thatch. Fishing and agriculture are the most significant occupations in this area. However, a closer look reveals differences from other villages. Livelihoods associated with the mangrove ecosystem at the apex of the Bay of Bengal are still poorly understood. The mangrove forests in the deltaic Sundarbans are areas of complexity, opportunity and conflict, particularly human-animal conflict. Traditional livelihoods are under severe strain because of multiple socio-economic challenges. High poverty rates, inadequate access to healthcare and education, and recurrent natural disasters such as cyclones and tidal surges pose significant threats to the well-being of the population. Furthermore, climate change has exacerbated these challenges, with rising sea levels and increased salinity intrusion negatively affecting agricultural productivity and freshwater availability.
Keywords: Sundarban, coastal, villages, people, embankment