The Sundarbans is the ultimate
land of the tiger, a swamp forest so dense and well protected
by nature that even centuries of determined effort by humans
has failed to destroy it.
Was the Sundarbans named after the
sundari tree,
or is it the literal Bengali translation for beautiful forest?
Can some fish here really climb trees? Is the reputation of
the Sundarbans’ tiger as a man-eater justified?
Scholars will debate its origins, poets will sing its praises
and naturalists will document its diversity. Meanwhile, another
set of humans are concerning themselves with the future of
the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Will the mangroves and the animals that live here be able
to survive the impact of global warming and climate change?
Will poaching drive the tiger to extinction? Can something
be done to save the Sundarbans?
Nature is the fount of human inspiration. Our music, art,
history, cultures, religions and philosophies sprang from
wild nature. From somewhere within us, we must find the wisdom,
courage and strength to pass the ancient Sundarbans inheritance
over, intact, to a generation of world citizens who might
care for the
Earth more effectively than we have done.
The
Sundarbans Inheritance is a photographic tribute
to this wildlife haven and to the green warriors on both sides
of the international border between India and Bangladesh,
who live to protect raw nature.
This book seeks to:
Sow seeds of appreciation for our biodiversity
Some of the world’s foremost experts, photographers
and writers have helped weave this tribute to the Sundarbans,
the largest and most diverse mangrove delta in the world.
Underscore the significance of the Sundarbans inheritance
Sprawled across Bangladesh and India, this 10,280 sq. km.
labyrinth of mangrove swamps, creeks, coasts and rivers is
one of the most secure homes of the royal Bengal tiger. A
total of 49 species of mammals, 355 species of birds, over
500 species of plants and 360 species of fish are found here.
The largest single population of tigers thrives here, together
with chital, wild boars, fishing cats, rhesus macaques, water
monitors, estuarine crocodiles, Irrawaddy dolphins and Ganges
sharks. Amphibians, crustaceans and insects embellish this
inheritance, which we hold in trust for our children.
Remind us to honour and respect protectors, past and present
Despite centuries of destruction, the Sundarbans ecosystem
is still alive and vibrant. A generation of far-sighted people
helped to protect this inheritance. It is their blood, sweat
and tears that
turned this Protected Area into a stronghold of the threatened
tiger and its associated life forms. Many people died making
this dream come true. People continue to die to keep the dream
alive. They deserve our gratitude, respect and support.
Emphasise the importance of securing our natural capital
The true assets of India comprise living forests, mountains,
rivers and soils. All our culture, learning and commerce rests
on this foundation. Economic growth cannot be sustained in
the long run unless ecological harmony is its cornerstone.
Provide a rationale for wildlife protection as development
The Sundarbans is one of the world’s most important
marine nurseries. It is also a more effective cyclone barrier
than any man-made breakwater system ever built. In an age
of climate change the Sundarbans is one of the world’s
most effective agents for carbon sequestration and its mangrove
swamps are therefore vital to the food and economic security
of India.
Help protect the inheritance of generations unborn
Planners and leaders of today must be reminded that history
will not forgive them if they do not effectively nurture,
protect and enhance the Sundarbans inheritance.
The Editors
