In what ways do rising sea levels and erosion threaten the livelihoods and culture of people living in the Sundarbans delta?
The COP-30 curtain raiser in Kolkata highlighted severe erosion and rising sea levels in the Sundarbans. I would like to explore how these environmental issues affect the daily lives, economy, and cultural identity of the local population.
The Sundarbans delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to millions of people who depend on its unique ecosystem for their livelihoods and cultural practices. However, rising sea levels and increased erosion—exacerbated by climate change—pose serious threats to the region’s inhabitants.
- Loss of Land and Homes: Erosion and submergence of land due to rising sea levels result in the loss of agricultural fields, villages, and infrastructure, forcing people to migrate or live in precarious conditions.
- Agricultural Challenges: Saline water intrusion makes soil infertile, reducing crop yields and affecting the primary source of income for many families who rely on rice and other crops.
- Fisheries and Livelihoods: Changes in water salinity and loss of breeding grounds impact fish populations, directly affecting fishermen and those dependent on aquaculture.
- Threat to Traditional Knowledge: Displacement and environmental changes erode indigenous knowledge systems related to agriculture, fishing, and forest management, which are closely tied to the Sundarbans’ unique environment.
- Damage to Cultural Sites and Practices: Temples, shrines, and sites of local significance are lost to erosion, while festivals and rituals connected to the land and water become difficult to sustain.
- Health and Safety Risks: Increased salinity affects drinking water quality, leading to health problems. The loss of natural barriers like mangroves also exposes communities to cyclones and tidal surges.
- Social Displacement: Migration due to uninhabitable conditions leads to social stress, loss of community cohesion, and challenges in adapting to new environments.
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