Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, manifesting in rising sea levels, extreme weather events and gradual environmental degradation. Temporary migration has been a livelihood strategy among the coastal communities residing here, but this trend has rapidly increased, driven by the need to escape the threats posed by the environmental degradation and changing climate. As climate challenges intensify, affected communities increasingly view migration as a proactive recovery strategy that safeguards lives and livelihoods while also fostering resilience. This chapter explores migration as a strategic resilience-building option for these vulnerable communities and examines its potential as a long-term adaptation mechanism in response to growing environmental pressures. The aim of this chapter is to comprehend the status of resilience among coastal migrant communities who have moved from the Sundarbans to the peri-urban areas of Kolkata (within KMA region) in West Bengal. Using eleven indicators identified from the literature to measure community resilience, the analysis is based on 40 interviews conducted across four case study areas. The results indicate that migrants often lack information about the geographical vulnerabilities of their new locations, which can significantly impact their resilience. However, strong social cohesion within immigrant communities contributes positively to their resilience. Despite this, poor risk management, inadequate institutional support, and a lack of inclusion heavily undermine the resilience of these communities in their destination areas. The chapter underscores the need for better integration and support systems to enhance the long-term resilience of environmental migrants in their new environments.

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Environmental Migration from Sundarbans: Enhancing Resilience of Communities Amidst Climate Crisis?

  • Saptadipa Nandy,
  • Chandrani Bandyopadhyay

摘要

Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, manifesting in rising sea levels, extreme weather events and gradual environmental degradation. Temporary migration has been a livelihood strategy among the coastal communities residing here, but this trend has rapidly increased, driven by the need to escape the threats posed by the environmental degradation and changing climate. As climate challenges intensify, affected communities increasingly view migration as a proactive recovery strategy that safeguards lives and livelihoods while also fostering resilience. This chapter explores migration as a strategic resilience-building option for these vulnerable communities and examines its potential as a long-term adaptation mechanism in response to growing environmental pressures. The aim of this chapter is to comprehend the status of resilience among coastal migrant communities who have moved from the Sundarbans to the peri-urban areas of Kolkata (within KMA region) in West Bengal. Using eleven indicators identified from the literature to measure community resilience, the analysis is based on 40 interviews conducted across four case study areas. The results indicate that migrants often lack information about the geographical vulnerabilities of their new locations, which can significantly impact their resilience. However, strong social cohesion within immigrant communities contributes positively to their resilience. Despite this, poor risk management, inadequate institutional support, and a lack of inclusion heavily undermine the resilience of these communities in their destination areas. The chapter underscores the need for better integration and support systems to enhance the long-term resilience of environmental migrants in their new environments.