The Sundarbans, acknowledged as the global largest mangrove forest, extends along the coastal belt between West Bengal, India and Bangladesh. This extraordinary reef system, the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is currently under severe threat from climate change and human impacts. The region is a tiger stronghold, but harbors one of the most densely populated areas within one of the global biodiversity hotspots.
Over the past several years, these tragic killings have motivated a new group of women called tiger widows. These valiant ladies are now taking charge to bring back the habitat that killed their husbands’ lives. Sundarbans in Bangladesh alone is home to over 125 tiger widows and about 88 on the Indian side. Each widow has a tragic story related to the human-tiger conflicts that have killed nearly 300 humans and 46 tigers since 2000.
Climate Change and Human Impact
The Sundarbans is not only a vital ecological zone but a region vulnerable to rising seas and storm surges. Local communities reside behind a single embankment, a precarious barrier against the elements that is increasingly threatened by climate change. The region has faced harsher and more frequent cyclones. Deforestation — especially the deliberate clearing of forests to grow agricultural and aquacultural products — has only aggravated the problem.
Fishermen who go too deep into the mangrove forests are attacked by tigers, increasing friction between wildlife and human communities. The resulting human-tiger conflicts sparked a public outcry and an urgent need for restoration to this crucial habitat.
Shahif Ali has been instrumental in the restoration projects. Beyond that, he focuses on creating spaces that feel safe and inviting for women joining these movements.
“My focus is to build a safe space for women who are working with us … Once they feel secure and respected, others will be inspired to join too.” – Shahif Ali
Restoration Efforts in Jharkhali
In the Jharkhali area of the Sundarbans, a persistent mangrove restoration campaign is focused. The goal is to revive 100 hectares of mangrove forests, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and providing natural barriers against climate-induced disasters.
The restoration project aims not only at ecological rejuvenation but at empowering local women who have faced personal losses due to tiger attacks. These women are fighting for a cause that has ruined their own lives.
“It’s about restoring dignity and building resilience for these women and for the broader community.” – Shahif Ali
It’s a way to empower local women to be stewards of their environments. They are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting their community from increasing climate risks. By fostering a sense of ownership, it hopes to inspire collective action for the betterment of both human and wildlife populations.
Future Aspirations
Shahif Ali articulates a vision of expanding restoration work well beyond the current community project.
“I want to expand the project in most backwaters and vulnerable parts of Sundarbans, and I’m ready to travel, walk into remote places … because when the project grows, we can reach more people.” – Shahif Ali
This ambition speaks to the aspiration beyond ecological restoration, as well to the socio-ecological restoration of the Sundarbans. By involving more members of the community in these initiatives, the project seeks to create a network of resilience that can adapt to ongoing environmental changes.
