“Sundarbans to get new Museum dedicated to untold stories of World’s largest Mangroves forest”

TFT: Mr. Pradip please tell us something about Sundarbans Museum Project?

PC: The Sundarbans Museum to be inaugurated in the next three months, will be a cultural and ecological archive dedicated to untold stories of the forest region, a UNESCO World Heritage site in West Bengal. This new project seeks to bring the region’s history, ecology and people to light through an immersive experience. The infrastructure will have twelve distinct galleries, each spotlighting a different facet of the Sundarbans from its diverse flora and fauna to its rich maritime legacy and folklore laced past.

TFT: Mr. Pradip please tell us exactly where will be the museum based?

PC: The lush, mysterious terrain of the Sundarbans, home to the world’s largest mangrove delta is set to welcome an exciting new addition: a world-class museum that will celebrate the region’s unique biodiversity, culture, and history. Nestled in the heart of this ecological wonder, the museum will be established on Gosaba Island, one of the most iconic and accessible locations within the Sundarbans. Designed to offer an immersive experience, the museum will serve as a gateway for visitors to explore the rich flora and fauna of the mangroves, understand the delicate balance of its ecosystem, and appreciate the traditions and resilience of the communities who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. This landmark project aims to enhance awareness about conservation efforts while creating new opportunities for sustainable tourism in this globally significant region.

TFT: What are the things that will be featured in this museum?

PC: The proposed museum in the Sundarbans is poised to revolutionize tourism in the region by emerging as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore authentic traditional boats that once navigated these intricate waterways, while captivating exhibits will recount the legends and lore of pirates who once roamed these mysterious and treacherous waters.

A special highlight of the museum will be its dedicated galleries on climate change, offering a thought-provoking and scientifically grounded narrative on the growing threats faced by the Sundarbans. Through interactive displays and visual storytelling, these galleries will chronicle the challenges posed by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather issues that endanger not just this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but vulnerable ecosystems around the globe. By blending history, culture, and environmental awareness, the museum aims to inspire visitors to appreciate the Sundarbans significance and contribute to the dialogue on its preservation.

TFT: Who all are the stakeholders of this project?

PC: The stakeholders in the Sundarban project including local communities, government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other key partners play a critical role in shaping the success, long-term sustainability, and overall positive impact of the initiative on the region. The active participation and support of local communities are essential, as they are the custodians of the Sundarbans rich cultural and ecological heritage, and their traditional knowledge and practices offer invaluable insights for conservation and development efforts. Government agencies provide vital policy frameworks, infrastructure support, and regulatory oversight to ensure the project aligns with national priorities for environmental protection, tourism development, and socio-economic growth. NGOs bring technical expertise, innovative solutions, and advocacy for inclusive, community-led approaches that prioritize both ecological preservation and the well-being of vulnerable populations.

TFT: What are the different challenges Sundarbans faces?

PC: The Sundarbans, one of the world’s most unique and fragile ecosystems, faces a wide range of sustainability challenges that threaten its long-term survival. Among the most pressing are the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones and extreme weather events. These natural threats are compounded by human-induced pressures that place additional strain on this delicate environment. Activities such as deforestation to clear land for settlements and agriculture, unsustainable fishing practices, and pollution from industrial and domestic sources have significantly accelerated the degradation of the region’s natural resources.

These actions disturb the intricate balance of the Sundarbans ecosystem, leading to the loss of critical habitats for iconic species like the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, and endangered river dolphins. The destruction of mangroves, which serve as natural buffers against storms and tidal surges, further increases the vulnerability of both wildlife and local communities to natural disasters. Moreover, overfishing threatens the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on the delta’s rich biodiversity, while pollution diminishes water quality, impacting both human health and aquatic life. Addressing these challenges requires urgent, coordinated efforts focused on sustainable development, conservation, and community engagement to protect the Sundarbans for future generations.