Socio-economic Challenges of Environmental Refugees: An Overview of Sagar Island of Sundarban, India

This article examines the traits and strategies of environmental refugees who moved to the Sagar Block in the Sundarbans from coastal villages in Ghoramara, Lohachara, and Khasimara because their livelihoods were becoming more and more vulnerable to climate change. Three sample villages in the Sagar Block, where the refugees were gathered, underwent a household survey. Based on financial capital, a Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) was developed, and a Livelihood Asset Status Tracking (LAST) matrix was created using assets, nutritional status, education, community engagement, water, sanitation, primary health, and reproductive health. Based on a combined evaluation of the SLSI and LAST Index, the sample villages were deemed to be at the vulnerable end of sustainable livelihood security. There is a weak positive correlation (R = 0.450) between their ability to adapt and their actual adaptation. Their lives can be made better by using resilient farming techniques, adaption strategies based on rural communities, and diversification of livelihood practices.