Living with a Changing Delta: Coastal Erosion, Environmental Change, and Conservation Challenges in the Indian Sundarbans

The Indian Sundarbans represent a globally significant socio-ecological landscape characterized by rich biodiversity and strong dependence of the local communities on natural resources. The region supports millions of people through fisheries, agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, and ecosystem services. However, climate change, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, salinity intrusion, habitat degradation, and increasing extreme weather events are driving profound ecological and social transformations which have altered landscape dynamics, reduced ecosystem productivity, intensified livelihood insecurity, and increased the vulnerability of resource-dependent communities.

Evidence from household surveys, field investigations, and geospatial analyses indicates that climate-induced landscape changes are among the most significant challenges facing the region. Survey findings reveal increasing risks associated with water scarcity, flooding, environmental degradation, and declining natural resources. Approximately 21.2% of respondents identified drought and water stress as major concerns, while 19.3% reported increasing flood-related risks and 16.2% highlighted drinking water scarcity. Declining fish availability, salinity intrusion, loss of agricultural land, and reduced access to natural resources were also widely reported, reflecting ongoing ecological degradation and landscape transformation.

This study examines the implications of coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and climate-induced environmental change on conservation governance and socio-ecological resilience in the Indian Sundarbans. Using household surveys, participatory field observations, and remote sensing analyses conducted between 2021 and 2024, the research investigates how environmental changes are reshaping interactions between communities, ecosystems, and conservation institutions. The findings show that shoreline retreat, habitat fragmentation, mangrove degradation, and land-use changes are adversely affecting ecological integrity and livelihood sustainability.

The study identifies three key dimensions influencing conservation outcomes. First, climate change and landscape transformation are accelerating biodiversity loss and reducing ecosystem service provision. Second, environmental degradation and resource scarcity are increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities and pressure on natural resources. Third, conservation and governance mechanisms face growing challenges in addressing the complex interactions among ecological change, livelihood dependence, and climate-related risks.

Using the Social–Ecological Systems framework and a political ecology perspective, the study highlights the need for integrated conservation approaches that link biodiversity protection with community well-being. Strengthening community participation, adaptive governance, climate-resilient livelihoods, and landscape-scale management is essential for enhancing ecological sustainability and socio-ecological resilience in the Sundarbans.