What conservation initiative in West Bengal, India, and southern Bangladesh saw women planting over 100,000 mangrove saplings in January 2026 to restore tiger habitat?

The conservation initiative in West Bengal, India, and southern Bangladesh that saw women planting over 100,000 mangrove saplings in January 2026 to restore tiger habitat is known as Mountains to Mangroves. This extensive project is one of the largest reforestation and conservation efforts in South Asia, established as an urgent response to the dual challenges of climate change and nature loss. Led by experienced environmental and social organizations and supported by Conservation International, the initiative aims to protect and restore one million hectares of forest and plant one billion trees across the Eastern Himalayas by 2030, encompassing diverse ecosystems from mountains to coastal mangroves.

A crucial component of the Mountains to Mangroves initiative focuses on the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, which straddles the border between India and Bangladesh and serves as a vital habitat for the Bengal tiger. In early 2026, local women, including those often referred to as "tiger widows" due to husbands lost to tiger attacks, actively participated in planting thousands of mangrove saplings in villages like Chargheri. These efforts are essential for restoring the degraded mangrove ecosystems that act as natural barriers against cyclones and tidal surges, thereby protecting both human communities and wildlife.

The participation of women in these planting drives is not only a testament to their commitment to environmental protection but also a critical step in restoring the tiger's shrinking (Review) habitat, which has been severely impacted by climate change and human activity. Mangrove forests provide crucial breeding grounds for various species and help stabilize coastlines, making their restoration paramount for the long-term survival of the Bengal tiger and the resilience of