Abstract
The Indian Sundarban mangrove forest is the largest single tract in the world's largest deltaic mangrove ecosystem & one of unique biogeographical zone at the confluence of Bay of Bengal. This is a very productive and biodiverse habitat performing various ecological, economic, and protective functions. But the region has been long suffering from the effects of natural forces and anthropogenic pressures, such as deforestation, climate-induced sea level rise, salinity ingress, and shoreline erosion. Recently, remote sensing technologies, vegetation indices, and long-term monitoring have been applied to track forest health and spatiotemporal changes. Here we review the major findings of multidisciplinary studies in these forests to provide a unified understanding of the status, dynamics, and conservation issues faced by this forest. There is also a discussion of pragmatic and community-inclusive approaches to sustainable management, and policy-aligned strategies that draw on scientific in