Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, one of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems, stands at the frontline of climate change. Rising sea levels, erratic weather patterns, and intensifying cyclones have placed immense strain on its environment and people. Health crises, from waterborne diseases to malnutrition and mental health challenges, are becoming more frequent, deepening the struggle for survival. Addressing these urgent concerns requires a collaborative approach that blends scientific research with grassroots action.

Recognizing this, Mukti, in partnership with Queen Mary University of London, hosted the international workshop “Climate Change and Health in the Sundarbans: Collaborative Approaches for Research and Action.” The workshop brought together leading academics, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and local community leaders, fostering a much-needed dialogue between research institutions and those experiencing the impacts of climate change first-hand. The discussions focused on the pressing health challenges triggered by environmental changes, the role of traditional knowledge in adaptation, and the need for stronger policy advocacy.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of translating existing research into actionable, community-driven solutions. By combining scientific expertise with the experiences of those living in the Sundarbans, the workshop fostered a deeper understanding of how to address the most urgent challenges in a way that resonates with the local context.

For Mukti, this workshop was a reaffirmation of its commitment to empowering local communities. Scientific research must be accessible and actionable, ensuring that those most affected are at the centre of climate solutions. Mukti’s longstanding work in disaster relief, sustainable agriculture, and public health formed the foundation for discussions on resilience and adaptation. The workshop emphasized that beyond the immediate relief efforts, there is a pressing need for long-term strategies that integrate climate resilience into healthcare, food security, and disaster preparedness.

One of the most significant outcomes of this collaboration is the strengthening of partnerships that extend beyond borders. The exchange of knowledge between international experts and local practitioners paves the way for innovative, scalable solutions that can be implemented at the community level. Mukti will continue to work towards policies that prioritize climate resilience, advocate for better healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions, and ensure that the voices of the Sundarbans’ people shape future interventions.

The workshop also provided an opportunity to reflect on the wealth of existing research on climate change and health in the Sundarbans, offering a collective perspective on the pressing issues. Several past studies have highlighted the vulnerability of this region to the compounded effects of climate change—be it through rising salinity in water sources, the frequent occurrence of cyclones, or the degradation of agricultural land. These studies have also underscored the intersection of climate-induced disasters with public health crises such as malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and mental health stressors due to displacement and loss of livelihoods.

Mukti’s approach, shaped by years of on-the-ground experience, seeks to bridge this gap by not just documenting the problem but actively working with communities to co-create solutions. The workshop discussions emphasized that past research, while invaluable, must evolve towards actionable frameworks—ones that consider both immediate responses and long-term resilience.

The workshop also opened new avenues for future research that can directly inform Mukti’s solution mechanism. Researchers and local practitioners alike recognized the need for studies that blend climate science with health outcomes, especially through interdisciplinary collaboration. Future research can focus on climate-resilient health systems, traditional knowledge integration, mental health impacts, and sustainable food systems.

This collective review highlighted the critical importance of research that is not just academic but also practical and directly applicable to the lives of the Sundarbans’ inhabitants. Mukti intends to continue collaborating with academic institutions and local stakeholders to ensure that future research remains grounded in the realities faced by the community and contributes effectively to solutions.

The Sundarbans the challenges ahead are immense, but they are not insurmountable. With sustained collaboration, informed action, and the resilience of the Sundarbans’ communities, we can turn this tide. This workshop was not just an event—it was the beginning of a collective journey towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. Mukti remains committed to this cause, and we invite our well-wishers, partners, and stakeholders to join us in making a lasting impact.