Kolkata: A community culinary excellence initiative — a two day transformative capacity-building workshop — was implemented at BaghBon ,the Multipurpose Community Resource Centre of a city-based NGO in the Sundarbans to equip communities residing in the forest-fringe villages of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve with advanced culinary skills, enabling them to participate in the region’s rapidly expanding sustainable tourism sector.By creating pathways for alternative livelihood opportunities, the initiative by Kolkata-based Society for Heritage and Ecological Researches (SHER) aims to reduce dependence on forest resources, strengthen community resilience, and foster greater local engagement in tiger conservation and environmental stewardship.Over the past decade, the Sundarbans have emerged as a globally recognised wildlife tourism destination, attracting visitors from across India and around the world. This growth has created increasing demand for diverse culinary experiences. Recognising this opportunity, the workshop was designed to equip members of forest-fringe communities, particularly those engaged in cooking and food preparation, with advanced culinary skills that enable meaningful participation in the region’s expanding sustainable tourism economy.The two-day capacity-building programme provided training in Indian and international cuisines, culinary techniques, recipe development, menu planning etc. Participants were mentored by internationally acclaimed chef Pinaki Ray, gaining exposure to professional culinary standards while building upon their existing knowledge and traditional food practices.“The workshop is founded on the understanding that strengthening alternative livelihoods for communities living around the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is critical for reducing dependence on forest resources. As economic opportunities become more accessible and resilient, pressures on forest ecosystems can be reduced, contributing to the mitigation of human–tiger conflicts and fostering safer coexistence between local communities and wildlife,” said Joydip Kundu of SHER.Through this initiative, SHER aims to demonstrate how community empowerment, sustainable tourism, and conservation can work together to create lasting social, economic, and ecological benefits. By linking livelihood enhancement with conservation outcomes, the workshop contributes to a future where thriving communities become active partners in safeguarding the Sundarbans and its iconic tiger population.
