Contribution short abstract:

Debate the adverse impact of climate change and human-tiger conflicts on the well-being of tiger widows of the Sundarbans. BRICS and emerging economies being hotbeds of human-non-human conflicts, policies mitigating these conflicts are imperative to enhance the well-being of these widows.  

Contribution long abstract:

‘Wellbeing unfreedom’ of widows in the Sundarbans, India: An impact of climate change, human-tiger conflict (HTC), and stigma

BRICS and other emerging economies are known for their biodiversity and are also hotspots for human and non-human conflicts. The impacts of climate change have only intensified these conflicts. However, the adverse impact of this conflict on a certain group of women, particularly widows are rarely discussed in academic research. For women in those countries, the distress of losing a partner often initiates a prolonged fight for their dignity, rights, and wellbeing. A prominent example is the case of 'tiger widows' (widows of men killed by tigers) of Sundarbans. Situated on a delta, the Sundarbans is a biosphere reserve in India and home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. The delta is exposed to frequent disasters, resulting in livelihood losses, debt and displacement. Over the years, incidences of HTC have increased as deforestation and cyclones damage tigers' habitat and diminishing livelihood sources within the delta turn villagers towards forest resources, falling prey to tigers. Tiger widows are the group that HTC affects the worst. Their ability to achieve 'wellbeing freedom’ is substantially hindered as they are pushed into extreme poverty, neglect, abuse, social isolation, and destitution after their spouses death due to the stigma attached to tiger attacks. The study has further implications in other emerging economies, such as South Africa and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, where widows must follow severe widowhood rituals, impeding their ability to live a flourishing life.