Abstract:
Located in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Sundarban is the world's largest
mangrove forest, hosting a unique ecosystem that is home to a diverse range of flora
and fauna. This extensive mangrove biodiversity supports a thriving and indigenous
apiculture industry. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as wood, fish, crab,
honey, and wax are the primary resources for a sustainable life for the local
community. The Geographical Indication (GI) Tag has given the honey national and
international recognition as Mouban, which can only be harvested from April to
May. During this period, a migrating giant Honey Bee named Apis Dorsata reaches
Sundarban, collecting nectar from mangrove flowers. This unique process yields a
honey celebrated for its exceptional medicinal properties. These Honey Bees and
seasonal flowers are crucial for honey production. Despite their significance, these
factors' economic and ecological importance often go unrecognized. Researchers have
comprehensively examined the effects of climate change on honey production in
Sundarban.
