Comment on the resource potential of the Sundarbans in India. How can nature-based solutions enhance its resilience against environmental challenges? (Answer in 250 words)

Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It's contribution to India's economy and ecology are priceless. Resource potential of Sundarbans: (1) Presence of large amount of endangered and keystone species. E.g: Sundarbans have the Royal Tiger. (2) Mangrove providing shelter to aquatic faurastial animals. Also acting as natural barrier to cyclone in the region. (3) Ecosystem services like cleaning water and seditating of heavy metals in the area. (4) Wetland area providing edge effect → unique species Presence of resources like timber, fuelwood, sand etc. Nature based solutions to enhance it resilience:- (1) Plants of mangrove to compensate for depleted food (E.g: MCCTI scheme of the government. (2) Protecting unique aquatic and terrestrial organisms in the region to protect its ecosystem. (E.g: Bengal tiger protection as flagship species) (4) Mangroves as natural service to sand mining and unsustainable

extracting resources. (5) Inundation of adjacent tribal and population well versed in traditional knowledge for its protection (6) Utilising wetland ecosystems for unsustainable tourism to be prohibited. (E.g: Focusing eco-tourism with minimal disturbance. (7) Restoration of shrubline and ecosystems in area where they are damaged. Hence protection of Sundarbans is critical for the ecological balance the region and for a greener and sustainable India.

— Aditya Narayan H · AIR 68