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Comprising the boundaries of India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans—a UNESCO World Heritage site—are a thick mangrove forest area. While in Bangladesh, it reaches the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat, and it covers portions of the South and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal in India. Apart from being one of the biggest tidal halophytic mangrove forests, this huge ecosystem is also a vital source of biodiversity preservation. It is a key defence against cyclones, and its varied vegetation and fauna—including the famous Bengal tiger—add great ecological worth. Given its natural resources, the Sundarbans offers India—especially West Bengal—a great cultural legacy and an economic benefit.
Video Credit: YouTube | West Bengal Forest Department
Sundarban’s honey, a unique product from this region, achieved the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in early 2024. With the GI tag certifying that this honey is unique from its Sundarbans source, it provides a guarantee of authenticity and quality. For local people involved in honey collecting, this position has important ramifications for respect and possible financial gains. Especially during world events like the Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources in Geneva, the GI tag emphasises Sundarban honey's authenticity and sets it apart from other honey types.
The Significance Of Sundarban's Honey And Its GI Tag
Image Credit: Creative Commons
Unique Collection Process
Sundarban's honey is primarily collected by skilled honey gatherers, or “moules,” who venture deep into the forests to access natural beehives. Each year, honey collection begins in March and runs through early June, as fishing activities are restricted during this season. The bees collect nectar from a variety of mangrove flowers, giving the honey a distinctive, rich flavour. Securing the GI tag for Sundarban honey authenticates this unique, traditional method of collection and honours the cultural heritage of the region’s honey gatherers.
Economic Impact And Livelihood
For certain communities of West Bengal, who rely on honey collecting for their livelihood, the GI recognition for Sundarban honey presents possible financial advantages. This local product is protected by the distinctive label, which also helps it to compete in markets both domestically and abroad and command better pricing. Differentiating Sundarban honey from other varieties helps the GI tag create a sustainable income source for these villages, motivating them to keep their ancient honey-collecting tradition and supporting local eco-tourism.
Honey Quality And Authenticity
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Sundarban honey has a natural golden hue, with darker variations due to seasonal and floral differences. The GI tag ensures that honey marketed as “Sundarban honey” meets stringent quality criteria, adding consumer trust to its unique attributes. As a result, consumers can be assured that they are purchasing a product sourced directly from the Sundarbans, characterised by its distinctive floral notes and purity, free from additives or dilution.
Role In Promoting Conservation
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The GI tag recognition for Sundarban honey indirectly promotes the conservation of the Sundarbans mangrove forests. By elevating the importance of honey collection as a sustainable livelihood, the GI tag incentivizes local communities to protect the mangrove ecosystem. In doing so, it fosters environmental stewardship, helping to safeguard biodiversity and support preservation efforts of the forest, which is vital for the survival of various species, including the endangered Bengal Tiger.
Increased Global Recognition
Since receiving the GI tag, Sundarban Honey has garnered attention on global platforms. For example, the product was showcased at the Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources in Geneva in May 2024. This international exposure enhances the reputation of Indian-origin products and highlights the region’s rich natural resources. It also brings to the fore the potential of shared GI rights between India and Bangladesh, as both nations harvest honey from this unique trans-border mangrove forest.
Challenges And Controversies
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The GI tag for Sundarban honey has sparked concerns in Bangladesh, where Sundarban’s larger territory lies and where honey collection has traditionally been more extensive. The issue of shared GI rights remains complex due to historical and territorial claims over trans-border resources. Both nations extract honey, yet only India has officially secured the GI tag thus far. This has led to calls for a collaborative GI framework between India and Bangladesh, aligning with international practices for managing shared natural resources.
Future Prospects And Joint GI Initiatives
The GI tag for Sundarban honey in India sets a precedent for further discussions on cross-border GI agreements. The framework for trans-border GI protection can be modeled after global practices, enabling shared resources like Sundarban honey to benefit India and Bangladesh. Such cooperation could allow Sundarban honey to achieve mutual recognition in international markets, securing greater economic benefits for honey collectors in both countries while preserving their cultural practices.
The Geographical Indication status for Sundarban honey elevates this unique product’s position, securing economic advantages for local communities and fostering global recognition. The tag authenticates the honey’s quality and encourages sustainable practices, enhancing the Sundarbans' ecological preservation efforts. Collaborative GI agreements with Bangladesh could offer a shared platform for greater impact, showcasing Sundarban honey’s international value.
