Research Interests
- Mangrove wetland ecosystems and Climate resilience
- Nature based solution using traditional knowledge
- GIS & Remote sensing for Biodiversity monitoring
Oral Presentations
Biswas, S. Socioeconomic Impacts of Sundarbans Degradation on Local Communities in West Bengal, India: A Systematic Review.
International Nature and Environment Conservation and Protected Areas Congress, Demre, Türkiye, October 30, 2025.
- Abstract: The Sundarbans mangrove forest in West Bengal, India, is a vital ecosystem that supports the livelihoods of millions of local people. This study aims to provide a clear understanding of how the degradation of the Sundarbans is affecting the socioeconomic conditions of these communities. To achieve this, a systematic review of the Scopus database was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In total, 78 research papers and several government reports were carefully analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and evidence of impact. The review highlights the degradation of the Sundarbans is caused by a combination of climatic and human-induced factors. Climatic factors include rising sea levels, cyclones, changing rainfall pattern, and increased salinity, all of which damage mangrove ecosystems and reduce soil fertility. Human activities, such as overfishing, unsustainable harvesting of forest resources, and land conversion for aquaculture or settlements, further exacerbate the loss of forest cover and ecosystem health. These changes have serious socioeconomic consequences for local communities, including reduced incomes from agriculture, fishing, and forest products, loss of property due to extreme weather events, forced migration in search of work, and increased reliance on low-paying or risky alternative livelihoods. Over time, these impacts contribute to long-term economic instability, making communities more vulnerable to environmental and social shocks. The study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that combines adaptive infrastructure, sustainable livelihood strategies, and active community participation. Recommendations include addressing research gaps, involving local people in decision-making, implementing global frameworks such as the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, and adopting fair measures to manage climate-related migration. Overall, protecting the Sundarbans and supporting its communities require integrated actions that enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability, and ensure long-term sustainable development. This review provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders working to safeguard both the environment and the wellbeing of the people who depend on it.
- Keywords: Sundarbans, Ecological services, Socioeconomic impacts, Climate change, Migration, Adaptive strategies
Biswas, S. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Conservation and Climate Resilient Rural Landscapes.
International Nature and Environment Conservation and Protected Areas Congress, Demre, Türkiye, October 30, 2025.
- Abstract: Global ecosystems and rural landscapes face unprecedented challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable land-use practices. Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and digital monitoring systems, offer innovative approaches to support sustainable conservation, optimize resource management, and enhance climate resilience. This review systematically examined peer-reviewed literature following PRISMA guidelines, along with case studies and policy reports, ensuring a transparent and comprehensive selection of relevant studies on technology-driven conservation strategies worldwide. Findings indicate that AI and related digital tools enable real-time biodiversity monitoring, predictive modeling of climate risks, optimization of soil and water management, and informed ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation. Integrating these technologies with traditional ecological knowledge and community-led initiatives strengthens adaptive capacity, fosters stakeholder participation, and improves ecosystem resilience. Despite their potential, barriers such as limited digital infrastructure, high technology costs, and gaps in local capacity hinder broad adoption. To address these challenges, policies promoting affordable access to digital tools, targeted community training, and collaborative frameworks among researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders are essential. In conclusion, applying AI and emerging technologies in tandem with conventional conservation practices presents a forward-looking pathway toward sustainable, climate-resilient rural landscapes, safeguarding biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being in the face of global environmental change.
- Keywords: Artificial intelligence, remote sensing, sustainable conservation, climate-resilient rural landscapes, biodiversity monitoring