Abstract:
Mangroves are important fundamental natural resources that underpin sustainability, supporting
biodiversity essential for human and environmental well-being in the Sundarbans. The interdependence
between mangrove resources and ecological health underscores the urgent need for responsible
stewardship, particularly among youth, who are future decision-makers. Empowering young people
with knowledge, values, a sense of responsibility and practical skills can play a transformative role in
addressing mangrove pollution, ecological degradation, and unsustainable consumption patterns. This
study examines youth awareness and actions on mangrove sustainability by promoting conservation
knowledge, pollution prevention, green lifestyles, awareness campaigns, and youth-led community
action for sustainable mangrove management. The questionnaire survey and FGD study randomly
engaged 230 students from 10 educational institutions from the Bangladesh and Indian Sundarbans
community, and the data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA. 71.8% of participants were initially
unaware of the direct link between pollution and mangrove ecology, while 68% reported experiencing
visible impacts of pollution in their daily lives. Encouragingly, 84% of participants expressed a
commitment to adopting greener lifestyles, while 83% reported significantly enriched knowledge
because of the initiative. Additionally, 76% noted that their learning positively influenced attitudes
within their families, and 63% actively participated in two to three awareness campaigns for mangrove
restoration. Thus, the result indicates a significant initial knowledge gap regarding the link between
pollution and mangrove ecology, despite many participants already experiencing visible environmental
impacts in daily life. The intervention effectively improved awareness and understanding, as reflected
in increased ecological knowledge and a strong commitment to greener lifestyles. Its influence also
extended to families, indicating broader social impact beyond individual participants. Moreover, active
participation in mangrove awareness campaigns suggests that the initiative not only enhanced
knowledge but also encouraged community engagement and pro-environmental behavior. Overall, the
results highlight the potential of targeted awareness programs to strengthen mangrove conservation
efforts.
