Coastal people and mangroves ecosystem resources vis-à-vis management strategies in Indian Sundarban

Abstract

This study assessed the status of coastal communities living in a fringe of mangroves forest, Samshernagar in the Indian Sundarban. Demographics of the area were surveyed with questionnaires which also collated their pattern of livelihood related to coastal resources. A total number of respondents were 1404 out of 1560 households. The study identified 14 primary occupations (A) with consideration of both earning and time engagement, along with other two occupations as Secondary (B) and Tertiary (C). Different occupants were made into four broad groups viz., (i) Resource dependent (RD), (ii) Wage earner (WE), (iii) Self resilient (SR) and (iv) Government servant (GS). Resource dependent shared 63.9% among others. A Relative Occupational Priority Index (ROPI) was developed, assessing the degree of strength among primary occupations. Fin fish, shell fish and crab (Af) scored 60.97 numbers, followed by agricultural activities (Aal) with 21.38 numbers. The venture of coastal people for resources collection into forest ecosystem as part of livelihood encountered very often wildlife conflict, including both tiger and crocodile attacks. To reduce resources dependency among coastal inhabitants, management of mangroves ecosystem was undertaken through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among Forest Development Committees (FDCs) for creating awareness among forest dwellers. Provision of JFM was initiated as an alternative livelihood approach through co-management, though limited success was achieved.