25 April 2025
It’s been a year since Cyclone Remal hit the Sundarbans, the vast mangrove forest that spans 10,000 square kilometres across India and Bangladesh. That storm caused a tidal surge that rooted up trees, drowned huge numbers of animals and partially submerged the forest for nearly 24 hours, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage toits infrastructure.
As the largest contiguous mangrove ecosystem in the world, the Sundarbans is a formidable natural barrier against rising seas and powerful storms, while also serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including the iconic Bengal tiger. However, this UNESCO World Heritage Site faces increasing pressure from climate change, which threatens to destabilise the ecosystem, the communities that rely on it, and the cultures that have been nurtured in its shadow for generations.
It’s cyclone season again now, as I write, and so far, this year the Sundarbans has escaped unscathed. But with storms becoming ever more frequent and virulent as the world warms, it’s impossible to know when the next one will hit.
Located where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet, the Sundarbans is a symbol of nature’s resilience. Beyond its ecological function, this forest is a profound part of the local people’s identities and livelihoods, fostering a relationship that intertwines survival with reverence for nature. However, the region’s future hangs in the balance. A multifaceted approach is needed – one that not only preserves biodiversity but also ensures sustainable livelihoods for local populations. Community-driven approaches, practical support and international collaboration are essential in this fight for survival.
The Sundarbans is more than a vital ecosystem; it is a sanctuary of spiritual beliefs that blend Hinduism, Islam and folk traditions. Residents believe in the protective power of Bonbibi, the ‘Guardian of the Forest’. As both Hindus and Muslims pray to Bonbibi for safety and sustenance, she is a unifying symbol in a land marked by hardship. Bonbibi’s story represents the balance between nature’s abundance and its dangers, teaching locals to both respect and coexist with their surroundings.
Aerial Shot Khulna, Bangladesh. Credit: Sk Hasan Ali / Shutterstock.com
Other deities, such as Dakshin Rai, the tiger god, and Kalu Ray, believed to protect against crocodiles, are also revered, reflecting the close connection between humans and the forest’s wildlife. These figures embody a deep respect for the region’s ecological balance, and their worship reinforces a code of sustainable interaction with the forest. After years of working with these communities, advising on nature-based solutions, I’ve seen first-hand how these beliefs provide a framework for resilience. Rituals, prayers and festivals that honour these deities play a significant role in maintaining social cohesion and environmental ethics.
The Sundarbans is under increasing threat from climate change. Rising sea levels, intensifying cyclones and soil erosion are transforming the landscape, placing unprecedented stress on both the ecosystem and the local populations. Since 1964, approximately 210 sq km of land have been lost to encroaching seas, according to research by Zero Carbon Analytics. In 2020, Cyclone Amphan caused devastation on an unimaginable scale, damaging crucial infrastructure, displacing tens of thousands and leaving behind more than $14 billion(£10.8bn) of damage, according to a report by the World Meteorological Foundation. The trauma of repeated storms has become an accepted reality for residents of the Sundarbans, albeit one they hope to mitigate.
As climate events become more extreme, they expose the limitations of existing defences. Although the mangroves serve as a natural buffer against storm surges and floods, deforestation and land-use pressures are weakening their protective role. Over the last 20 years, reforestation programmes have made strides in restoring mangrove cover, yet these efforts are insufficient without greater financial and human resources. A coordinated approach, backed by substantial investment, is essential to effectively protect both people and ecosystems.
India’s commitment to the protection of the Sundarbans is reflected in national policies such as the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP). These policies prioritise ecosystem protection as a means to mitigate climate-related risks. As part of its obligations under the Paris Agreement, India acknowledges the critical role of the Sundarbans in capturing greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration.
On a global scale, the Sundarbans are safeguarded through frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and UNESCO’s World Heritage List. These policies affirm the region’s unique significance and the urgent need for conservation. India and Bangladesh, sharing this natural treasure, have begun collaborative projects to strengthen cross-border conservation efforts. However, a gap remains between policy intentions and on-the-ground action due to financial constraints and logistical challenges. Realising the potential of these frameworks to benefit local communities will require sustained international support and increased funding.
Ecosystem services offer a critical path for supporting both the Sundarbans and its communities. Mangrove restoration is central to this effort, as native species like Rhizophora and Bruguiera act as frontline defences against storm surges and coastal erosion. By bolstering these natural barriers, mangrove replanting initiatives contribute to climate resilience and carbon sequestration, essential for both local and global climate goals.
However, mangrove restoration must be accompanied by sustainable development strategies that reduce pressure on natural resources. Eco-tourism, organic farming and fishing cooperatives are helping residents generate income without damaging the mangroves. Through my experience implementing these women-led community strategies in the Sundarbans, I’ve learned that traditional knowledge, combined with sustainable practices, can foster a deep-rooted respect for the ecosystem. These livelihood programmes are transforming local economies and empowering communities, but they need additional support to reach full scale.
As climate risks increase, building resilience is paramount. Improvements to cyclone shelters, strengthened embankments and expanded mangrove reforestation are crucial to protecting lives and reducing damage. Following Cyclone Amphan, the sheer scale of the effort required to rebuild and reinforce cyclone shelters highlighted the region’s pressing needs, yet many shelters remain underfunded and require modernisation. Integrating traditional knowledge – such as around mangrove plantation – with disaster management systems, can provide a more holistic solution, reducing vulnerabilities across the Sundarbans.
India’s Paris Agreement commitments underscore the importance of climate adaptation, yet gaps remain between policy and practical implementation. More funding and resources are needed to expand mangrove restoration and build robust disaster preparedness networks. Given that mangrove restoration enhances natural defences and supports biodiversity, its importance cannot be overstated.
The Sundarbans’ unique geography, spanning two countries, necessitates collaboration between India and Bangladesh. Joint conservation initiatives, shared monitoring and coordinated disaster preparedness are all essential for the region’s long-term survival. Progress is underway, with organisations like UNESCO, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the World Bank backing collaborative projects. However, translating these projects into lasting resilience for communities requires consistent, long-term commitment and shared goals.
Meaningful progress will rely on trust and continuous dialogue between India and Bangladesh. By prioritising projects that address both human and ecological needs, these two nations can work towards a shared vision of conservation. While the path is challenging, the potential for impact is substantial, and the rewards include preserving a vital ecosystem that benefits both countries and contributes to global biodiversity.
Technological advances are proving transformative for conservation and disaster response in the Sundarbans. Satellite imagery offers real-time data on deforestation, land loss and ecosystem health, allowing for more effective conservation planning. GIS mapping meanwhile, is used to identify vulnerable areas, helping authorities target mangrove replanting and allocate resources for disaster preparedness.
Mobile-based early warning systems are another critical tool, offering communities timely alerts about approaching cyclones. Initial pilot projects show promise in remote areas where technology access is limited. Integrating these systems with community knowledge further enhances resilience, creating a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation. While early steps are promising, full deployment across the Sundarbans remains a challenge due to infrastructure limitations, underscoring the need for continued investment.
The Sundarbans face a precarious future, as sea levels rise and extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity. Scientists warn that large parts of the forest may be submerged by the end of the century, jeopardising both biodiversity and local livelihoods. Additionally, deforestation for agriculture and aquaculture continues to strain natural resources, weakening the ecosystem’s natural defences. While reforestation programmes have restored some areas, they struggle with limited funding and competing land-use priorities.
As I’ve seen in my work with these communities, local initiatives – such as sustainable livelihood projects and community-led mangrove conservation – can foster resilience. However, to meet the scale of the challenge, the Sundarbans need sustained international support and government investment.
The Sundarbans is not only a unique natural shield against climate change but also a vibrant cultural and spiritual hub for millions. For the residents, this forest is more than just home – it’s a source of identity, tradition and hope. Preserving the Sundarbans requires a collective commitment to both ecological and social resilience. Through ecosystem services, such as mangrove restoration, sustainable livelihoods and improved disaster preparedness, we can ensure this extraordinary ecosystem continues to thrive.
The Sundarbans are a global treasure, a source of ecological, cultural and protective value. By supporting the Sundarbans, we are not only defending an invaluable ecosystem but also ensuring the well-being of future generations. Through concerted action, at local, national and international levels, we can build a future where the Sundarbans continue to protect, inspire and sustain.
To explore what climate resilience looks like in a UK context, join us at Flood & Coast Conference on 03-05 June 2025.
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| Rangeet Mitra is a freelance researcher in nature-based solutions based in India |  |
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