Impact of Climate Change on the Endemic Medicinal Plant Species Inhabiting the World Heritage Site of Indian Sundarbans

We surveyed the medicinal plant diversity in the World Heritage Site of Indian Sundarbans from 7 November 2021 to 14 November 2021 in three sectors, namely, western, central, and eastern. These plants are collectively called halophytes (more specifically, euhalophytes, as they can tolerate a wide range of salinity ranging from 2 to 30 psu). We carried out a respondent analysis on the curative properties of halophytes involving the relevant stakeholders and observed the maximum weightage to cure dermatological problems compared to other health issues. However, it is interesting to note that the people of the deltaic complex are sceptical about using halophytes for curing heart diseases. It is also observed that the impact of climate change, like sea level rise and erosion, is maximum on the medicinal plant community, followed by natural disasters and acidification.