Surviving Sundarbans: Tragedy and Hope, Edition 2

Restore Mangroves in the Coastal Tracts of India for the Survival of People in the Face of Climate Change Impacts: A Review

Ashis Kumar Paul, Anurupa Paul, Joydeb Sardar — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bio-shielding tidal-flat wetland ecosystems through mangrove plantation missions can help restore mangrove environments in the physiographic settings of sedimentary depositional landforms, such as tropical river deltas, estuaries and backwaters. Mangroves are also adjusted to the carbonate settings of the limestone coasts of the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands in the northern Indian Ocean province. Mangroves act as dense buffers against marine hazards in deltaic tracts and carbonate shores of the regional settings, but they are significantly affected by climate change impacts and sea-level rise threats. In previous decades, frontal mangroves were damaged by cyclonic storm landfalls in the Sundarbans and by the tsunami event in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands, respectively.

Through adaptive capacities and zoned growth, mangroves adjust to environmental changes, but they appear vulnerable to climate change-induced coastal hazards, human-controlled drainage discharges and sea-level rise rates in deltaic settings. Because of the positive ecosystem services of mangroves to society and the environment, they should be restored on island fringes, estuary fringes and adjacent deltaic wetlands. Considering the diversity of mangrove characterisation and restoration policies, selected species should be identified for planting in different physiographic settings with specific environmental gradients. The extent of the plantation forest ecosystem should be monitored and protected by mangrove armies, village communities, environmentalists, NGOs and local administrators while assessing the success rates of restoration mechanisms, vegetation growth, biomass production and carbon sequestration rates.

The present work is based on experiences of mangrove research in deltaic, estuarine and carbonate settings along the East Coast of India and in the archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Traditional and modern issues of mangrove research are highlighted in this study for the benefit of geographers, environmental scientists and entrepreneurs involved in restoring vulnerable coastal habitats.

From Assets to Accessibility: Strengthening Provisioning Services through Livelihood Capitals in Sundarban

Semanti Das, Chandan Surabhi Das — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In marginalised rural communities that rely on ecosystem services, access to these services is essential for achieving sustainable livelihoods. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of physical, natural, financial, social and human assets in twelve villages within the Gosaba CD Block of the Indian Sundarban, a region facing significant climate-related challenges. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) together with the Prescott-Allen (2001) “Barometer of Sustainability”, we developed a normalised Sustainability Index (SI) to quantitatively assess household resilience. The investigation further aimed to elucidate how components of livelihood capital influence access to forest-based provisioning services (PS) in selected villages. The contribution of livelihood capitals to access to provisioning services (PS) was assessed through factor analysis of a sample of 160 households selected through cluster random sampling. The findings reveal significant disparities in sustainability across the region; for instance, Mathurakhand (SI 1.15) is classified as “Sustainable”, whereas several villages, particularly those adjacent to forested areas, are categorised as “Moderate” to “Potentially Unsustainable”, highlighting the need for targeted capital-level interventions. A salient observation is the pervasive deficiency in financial capital, which generates excessive dependence on diminishing natural resources. The regression analysis (R² = 0.993) underscores the critical role of human and social capital as stabilising factors; however, limited income diversification in forest-fringe regions indicates a “livelihood trap” arising from scarce non-farm opportunities. Policy initiatives should therefore transition towards the regenerative management of natural capital and targeted skill development to enhance diversification. Facilitating the issuance of Biometric Fisherman cards for forest access, providing flexibility in loan procurement and promoting ecotourism through the involvement of local villagers should be prioritised to augment forest-based provisioning services in the foreseeable future.

Indigenous Knowledge and Practices of Forest and Riverine Dependent Communities in Gosaba C.D. Block of Indian Sundarbans

Swarup Majhi Gope, Tapas Mistri — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the traditional ecological knowledge and practices of forest- and river-dependent communities in the Gosaba Community Development Block of the Indian Sundarbans, India. It examines how indigenous knowledge systems contribute to sustainable livelihood practices and environmental resource management amid increasing ecological and socio-economic challenges. The study specifically considers traditional practices associated with fishing, crab catching and honey collection, showing how these practices have been shaped by generations of interaction with the local ecosystem. The research was conducted across six villages, namely Kumirmari, Chargheri, Pakhiralay, Dayapur, Anpur and Satjelia, where qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions involving 97 participants. The number of participants from each village was 15 from Kumirmari, 17 from Chargheri, 16 from Pakhiralay, 15 from Dayapur, 16 from Anpur and 18 from Satjelia. Using a narrative-based qualitative research approach, the study documents local experiences, perceptions and adaptive strategies related to the use and management of forest and aquatic resources. The findings indicate that traditional ecological knowledge and practices, including fishing, honey collection and crab catching, are dynamic, adaptive and deeply embedded in community life. These practices play an important role in supporting sustainable resource utilisation, strengthening community resilience and conserving biodiversity within the fragile ecosystem of the Indian Sundarbans. The study further emphasises that integrating indigenous knowledge into formal environmental management and policy frameworks can support more inclusive and sustainable development strategies. Overall, the research highlights the importance of recognising, documenting and preserving traditional ecological knowledge as a valuable resource for addressing climate change, environmental degradation and livelihood insecurity in the region.

Human-Tiger Conflict in the Sundarbans: Challenges and Strategies for Coexistence

Raja Routh, Gopal Sharma, Ashish Chhetri, Gyandeb Barman — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Sundarbans, recognised as the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a vital refuge for the endangered Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). However, the region is increasingly affected by human–tiger conflict (HTC), posing significant threats to local communities and tiger conservation efforts. Since 2000, more than 300 human deaths and 46 tiger deaths have been documented, with most human fatalities involving fishermen (77.5%) and honey collectors (17.6%) who enter tiger habitats to sustain their livelihoods.

This conflict is intensified by climate change, as rising sea levels and frequent cyclones erode tiger habitats, pushing the animals inland and displacing human populations into forested areas. Key drivers of HTC include habitat fragmentation, depletion of natural prey and illegal practices, such as poaching and unauthorised entry into protected areas. In response to tiger attacks, retaliatory killings—often by poisoning or firearms—pose a serious threat to the remaining tiger population.

Various mitigation measures have shown promise. For instance, the installation of nylon net fencing has successfully reduced tiger intrusions in the Indian parts of the Sundarbans. Additionally, community-based programmes promoting alternative livelihoods, such as beekeeping and crab farming, aim to reduce human dependence on forest resources. Nevertheless, ongoing challenges remain, including insufficient victim compensation and media narratives that amplify negative perceptions of tigers.

To foster coexistence, a multifaceted approach is essential. This includes stronger enforcement of conservation laws, restoration of degraded habitats and community empowerment through education and sustainable tourism. Achieving a balance between human development and biodiversity conservation is imperative for preserving the ecological integrity of the Sundarbans and ensuring the survival of its iconic wildlife.

Continuous and regular awareness initiatives by government stakeholders, local NGOs and other agencies among local people and students of schools and colleges in the area will reduce the stress.

A regular increase in the appointment of forest guards and Quick Response Team personnel, along with the provision of necessary amenities, will also mitigate the problem to some extent.

Advantages and Challenges of Tiger Conservation: A Case Study on Sundarban Delta

Debaditi Goswami — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Royal Bengal Tiger is a major ecological and cultural symbol in India and Bangladesh, and its conservation remains a critical concern in the Sundarbans delta. This review paper examines the need for tiger conservation in the Sundarbans and the challenges associated with it. The Sundarbans, with dense mangrove forests that contribute to climate mitigation, provides a distinctive habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger and supports rich biodiversity. These contiguous mangrove forests sustain tigers as a keystone species that contributes to ecological balance. The paper analyses tiger conservation from ecological and sociological perspectives and reviews population trends in the Sundarbans. Historical records indicate that tiger populations declined continuously from the nineteenth century, particularly during the colonial period, when hunting, poaching and government-sanctioned rewards for killing tigers were repeatedly documented. This decline contributed to the tiger being recognised as an endangered species. The paper also reviews government initiatives introduced to address this decline. However, these initiatives have faced major challenges, including habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and escalating human-tiger conflict. Isolation caused by habitat fragmentation has further increased concerns regarding genetic diversity. Tabulated data are used to summarise tiger population trends in the Sundarbans. The paper is based entirely on secondary research methodology, and the data analysed were collected from secondary sources.

Unique Livelihood of Southern Sundarban

Ujjwal Sardar — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.