Sundarbans: The Human Side

Although Sundarbans is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is far from an untouched wilderness. The forest supports millions of people with the main industries being fishing, forestry and honey production. The life of the park and the livelihood of the people who depend on it are being jeopardised by hydroelectric dams upstream of Bangladesh in India and China and by overuse of resources by the very people who depend on the park. As with everything in this country, it is a fine balance on a loaded scale.

Canoe ferries across the river. Dozens went by in a matter of minutes carrying everything from produce to people to livestock.

Hauling a load of bricks downstream.

Returning to the mother ship after a day hiking in the mangrove.

On the prowl for tigers . . .

Fisherman's house and traditional boat.

Fisherman setting off in the dense early morning fog.

Shrimp fisherman and saris drying on rooftops.