Reference

The Sundarbans in South 24 Parganas hold significant ecological, cultural, and economic importance:

1. Ecological Significance: The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, form the world's largest delta, created by the convergence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It is a critical habitat for the Bengal tiger and a diverse array of wildlife, particularly mangrove forests (source).

2. Biodiversity: The region includes the Sundarbans National Park and the Sajnakhali Wildlife Sanctuary, which are crucial for the conservation of biodiversity. It consists of 362 square kilometers of mangrove scrub, forests, and swamps (source).

3. Cultural Importance: The lives and livelihoods of about 3.9 million people in the region are deeply connected to the land, rivers, and mangroves. The climate and culture are unique due to the intricate network of waterways and islands (source).

4. Economic Role: The Sundarbans provide resources such as honey, fish, and timber and support agriculture and aquaculture activities that are vital for the local economy (source).