Mumbai's mangrove destruction threatens Koli fishers' livelihoods and ecological balance
Original framing: “In photos: Koli fishers fear loss of livelihood, cultural identity as Mumbai fells 45,000 mangroves” — bing news
The Koli community’s traditional fishing practices and mangrove stewardship are rooted in centuries of ecological knowledge. Their displacement not only threatens their livelihoods but also erases a living system of environmental management that has sustained coastal ecosystems for generations.
The destruction of mangroves in Mumbai is a microcosm of a global crisis where Indigenous communities and ecosystems are sacrificed for urban expansion.
The Koli’s struggle reveals the need for a systemic shift in how we understand progress, one that values ecological integrity and cultural continuity over short-term economic gains. By integrating Indigenous knowledge into urban planning and legal frameworks, cities like Mumbai can model a more sustainable and just future. This requires not only policy reforms but also a cultural shift that recognizes the wisdom of communities who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries. The Koli’s experience offers a blueprint for how to protect both people and planet in the face of climate change and urbanization.