India: The Sundarban Green Army.
In one of the most hostile regions on the planet, an army of 20,000 women stands on the front lines of the fight against climate change. Dressed in green saris—reminiscent of the forests they strive to save—these “green warriors” embody hope for the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. Struck hard by climate-related disasters, this vast labyrinth of islands and swamplands is now at risk of disappearing. The name “Sundarbans” literally means “beautiful forests” in Bengali; the region stretches across the Bay of Bengal, between India and Bangladesh. More than five million people live within this maze of waterways, mangroves, and fragile terrain—an area where, reportedly, four islands have been completely swallowed by the sea over the last 25 years. In response to this urgent crisis, “green brigades” have been formed. Their mission: to plant mangrove trees to protect both the land and its inhabitants. Mangroves are far more than just forests; they serve as a natural bulwark against the effects of climate change. Their roots slow down currents, diminish the force of waves, and help shield the coastline during cyclones. Since a local NGO established this “green army” 15 years ago, these women have planted more than 16 million mangrove trees. Armed only with binoculars, shovels, and pickaxes, this green army represents the final hope for a fragile region that has already given the world its first climate refugees. According to some experts, a large portion of the Sundarbans could vanish within the next half-century.
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