The Sundarbans in India (West Bengal) are the world's largest mangrove area. They protect the coastal area and the hinterland from floods, storm surges and cyclones.
Tribal communities in the Sundarbans are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and have limited support to adapt to climate change. The needs of tribal communities are mostly unknown and unaddressed as they are not represented in research, policy, governance and leadership. Women in tribal communities have a particularly hard time, they are marginalized, suffer from gender inequality and often face domestic violence, neglect and deprivation and lack access to psychosocial support. The project includes a research component where an ethnographic study will be conducted in collaboration with Jadavpur University to match the beneficiaries and activities directly to the context.
Project period
October 2022 - September 2025
Activities
- Ethnographic study and further research
- Formation of women's self-help groups
- Preserving cultural identity
- Promoting cooperation with local representatives
- Protecting biodiversity through adapted agricultural methods and measures to protect the coast
- Examination of physical and mental health and counseling
Contact person
Marie-Luise Disterheft
Country Desk Officer