Ecotourism Potential and Sustainable Development in the Sundarbans: An Analytical Study of Conservation-Based Tourism, Community Participation, and Local Livelihoods

Abstract

The Sundarbans boasts remarkable ecotourism resources, including mangrove ecosystems, tiger 
habitats, crocodiles, avian species, river excursions, indigenous culture, and international conservation status; 
however, tourism may exacerbate waste generation, maritime congestion, noise pollution, wildlife disruption, 
inequitable profit distribution, and vulnerability to cyclones. Sustainability is contingent upon governance and 
distribution, rather than only on tourist expansion. Methods: This secondary-data analysis included reserve 
visitation and revenue documentation; a historical series from 2003-04 to 2014-15 and a baseline for FY2024
25; five years of benefit-sharing from the Joint Forest Management Committee; an 80-participant livelihood 
survey in Bali-Satjelia; and contemporary directives. It used descriptive statistics, compound annual growth rate, 
Pearson correlation, percentage analysis, and a clear 0-5 evidential maturity rating. Data pertaining to business, 
employment, waste, maritime traffic, and carrying capacity were not interpolated. Outcomes: Historical visitors 
surged from 59,861 to 174,256, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.20%, whilst reported income 
escalated from ₹15.08 lakh to ₹182.88 lakh, representing a 25.47% annual rise. Visitor counts and income 
exhibited a robust correlation across 12 data points (r=0.937, p=0.000007), however the relationship remains 
exploratory. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the reserve documented 365,583 domestic visitors and 3,023 international 
guests, culminating in a total of 368,606, with revenue amounting to ₹56.32 million. International tourists 
constituted 0.82%. The committee's financial allocation rose from ₹12.04 million in 2020-21 to ₹17.31 million in 
2024-25, exhibiting yearly fluctuations. Evidence maturity was 60.0% with equal weighting and 57.1% when 
environmental protections and outcome assessments were prioritised. Conclusion: The Sundarbans have 
significant ecotourism potential but exhibits intermediate levels of demonstrated sustainable maturity. The 
priorities include adaptable carrying capacity, safer registered boats, trash and noise management, community
owned companies, transparent conservation financing, women-led value chains, cyclone-resilient activities, and 
yearly assessment of ecological and distributional results.