V2V PHOTO OF THE WEEK 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: October 22, 2025
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This photo was taken as part of a field trip during the Chilika V2V Annual Field School 2025. In Uparadikiri, food is never just food—it is culture, memory, and respect for the land. Meals are served on broad green leaves, and drinks are poured into cups crafted from the natural fibers of the forest. At first glance, the practice may appear simple, even ordinary. Yet each gesture carries deep meaning. The use of leaves is not only practical; it is a way of honoring nature, keeping meals organic, and ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
This custom reflects a worldview where life and sustainability are inseparable. Sharing meals on leaves and drinking from natural cups is more than communal dining—it is an act of care and continuity. It shows that sustainability is not a modern slogan but an ancestral legacy, lived daily through culture. In these moments, dignity, resilience, and identity are woven together, revealing that the essence of community well-being can be found in something as simple as the way food is shared. It is important to mention that the forest has a critical linkage with the Chilika Lagoon ecological system, serving as a primary supplier of fresh water.
Photo credit: Jubakti Anggoro, 2025
Contributors: I Wayan Pande Sutawan, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: October 15, 2025
These photos were taken in Cape Town during the Land, Life and Society Conference – an incredible gathering on the road to ICARRD+20. Over three days (7–9 October 2025), the conference brought together scholars and practitioners from 53 countries, representing a wide range of disciplines and lived experiences.
The V2V Global Partnership had a significant and engaging presence at the conference, leading a paper presentation session titled “Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Transitions in the Coastal Communities of Africa and Asia.” Co-organized with CiCADD, ENGAGE4Sundarbans, and Ărramăt, the session brought together researchers and practitioners working across Africa and Asia to explore how vulnerable, resource-dependent communities can transition toward greater resilience and long-term viability. Through thought-provoking presentations and discussions, the session examined the complex relationship between vulnerability and viability—two concepts often treated separately in sustainability and fisheries governance. Drawing from V2V’s conceptual framework, presenters emphasized a multidimensional understanding of transitions, encompassing material, subjective, and relational well-being; access to different forms of capital (natural, financial, social); and shifts in adaptive and transformative capacities.
The V2V session highlighted that pathways to viability must go beyond economic considerations to include social, political, and ecological dimensions. It also highlighted that while coastal and small-scale fishing communities continue to face multiple challenges, such as climate change, building on their existing strengths, knowledge systems, and community networks offers promising ways forward.
Photo credit: Prateep Kumar Nayak, 2025
Contributors: Prateep Kumar Nayak and Sanzida Alam, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: October 8, 2025
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The photo of the green of Uparadikiri Village, Nayagarth District shows that the ecosystem is all preserved by the community. The forest is their life; it provides their livelihood and fulfills their daily needs. Lots of plants provide medicinal benefits to the community, such as Kuren for an anti-diarrhea remedy, Klorida serving as a natural insect repellent, and Suganda for nutrient supplements given to children and women. Themeda, Bahera, and Amla plants hold particular importance, with Themeda being in especially high demand. Forests such as in Uparadikiri Village are connected to the ecosystem of Chilika Lagoon as an important source of freshwater that flows to the wetland ecosystem and tremendously contributes to its fisheries.
Photo credit and contributor: Adrina Herriet Berliana, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: October 1, 2025
The picture was taken at Balugaon Fish Market, the largest fish market in Chilika, renowned for its high-quality seafood. When we visited, we were greeted by shops overflowing with large catches. One of the sellers proudly showed us a bucket full of tiger prawns, some reaching nearly 23 cm in length. These prawns, along with other fresh catches, are supplied to restaurants. The market not only sustains local businesses but also supports the livelihoods of the community, fishing is truly their way of life.
Photo credit and contributor: Adrina Herriet Berliana, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: September 24, 2025
I captured this photo on our last morning in Kumirmari, Sundarbans, when the village revealed a softer, more ethereal side of it. Unlike the usual warm, rugged tones, this scene is wrapped in the gentle embrace of mist, its humid touch making everything feel quiet, soothing, and mild.
Beyond the serene beauty of the pond lies a story. Opposite the pond, a small boy lives with his family in a hut. He loves waterlilies and, with quiet determination, managed to bring home a few bulbs from a nearby village. His mother scattered them into this pond, and this year, they bloomed. Though the pond is not theirs, the flowers bring them joy, as if the land itself belongs to them in spirit.
This simple act speaks of their deep connection with nature—not just as individuals owning pieces of it, but as part of something whole, something shared. Their love for the land mirrors nature’s own spirit—giving freely, whether in kindness or in challenge, expecting nothing in return.
Photo credit and contributor: Nandini Talukder, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: September 17, 2025
This photo was taken at the Mukut Village in Tioman Marine Park Island in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia. Tioman Island is the largest marine park in the East Coast facing the South China Sea, with a land area of approximately 133 km2. The island is well known for its high-quality coral reefs, variety of fish species, and beautiful sandy beaches. The livelihoods of local fishers are directly affected by fishing bans in the no-take zone Marine Protected Area in Tioman Island. Declining catch, coupled with poorly regulated tourist activities, has resulted in seawater pollution and degradation of coral reef ecosystems, resulting in severe social-ecological vulnerability.
The Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Global Partnership at the University of Waterloo, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak Malaysia, and Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia came together to organize a Summer Couse in Tioman Island. The V2V South East Asia Partnership is grateful to have collaborated in organizing this weeklong summer course that brought together a selected group of participants who are graduate students, early-career researchers/professionals from academia, government, NGO, and fisher communities from various institutions in Malaysia, Indonesia and Canada to explore social ecological vulnerability and transitions to viability, equity and wellbeing of small-scale fishers. The main theme of the Summer Course on Vulnerability to Viability, Justice and Livelihood, held in Malaysia from September 8 to September 13, 2025.
The V2V Global Partnership organized the Summer Course that promotes experiential, cross-cultural, and place-based learning as a way to engage students and early-career researchers and practitioners in exploring pathways toward viable futures of coastal-marine social-ecological systems.
Photo credit: Shelley Sebli, 2025
Contributors: Indah Susilowati, Gazi Md Nurul Islam, and Prateep Nayak 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: September 10, 2025
The photo shows participants consisting of graduate students, early-career researchers, and practitioners who have gathered in Malaysia for the V2V South-East Asia Field Course on ‘Marine Protected Areas and Coral Islands Social-Ecological System’ from 8 – 13 September 2025. About 40 participants became part of the sessions held on the University Tun Abdul Razak campus in Kuala Lumpur during the first two days of the Field Course. A group of 20 participants and resource persons have now continued to the Tioman Marine Park Islands for engaging in field-based learning processes over the next four days. This is our first ever field course in Malaysia, which will take place every alternate year. This year, the theme is focused on ‘Vulnerability to Viability, Justice and Livelihoods’ and the field course is a collaboration between the V2V Global Partnership at the University of Waterloo, Canada, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia, and the University of Diponegoro, Indonesia. This results in multiple layers of vulnerabilities with serious impacts felt by the small-scale fishers. The Field Course focuses on the holistic understanding of ecological and social drivers of MPA-related vulnerabilities, and the resilience of small-scale fisheries communities reflected in their responses to adapt and create transformational processes towards coastal-marine viability.
Photo credit and Contributors: Prateep Nayak and Gazi Md Nurul Islam, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: September 3, 2025
This photo from Purunabandha Village shows small-scale fishing boats resting by the shore. For local fisherfolk, the boat is not merely a vessel but the central means of transformation connecting them to the sea and to their livelihoods. These small boats also reflect the limits of exploitation: with modest capacity, fishers harvest only what is sufficient, maintaining a balance between need and sustainability.
The scene of idle boats illustrates a moment of pause, a temporary stillness in the rhythm of everyday labor. It reminds us that resilience is not only about relentless activity but also about cycles of work and rest. In the simplicity of these boats, we see both the vulnerability and the dignity of small-scale fisheries, where survival is sought not through excess, but through sufficiency.
Photo credit and contributor: Jubakti Anggoro, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: August 27, 2025
This photo was captured during the Chilika-V2V Field School, showing the coastal erosion facing a community south of Chilika. Note the land subsiding and material at the base of the slope. As a physical geography student who learned about forms of erosion in an academic way from courses, seeing it in real life was sobering due to the human impacts. In fact, many members of this small village have sadly been forced to relocate inland or to other communities.
Photo credit and Contributor: Alex Jain, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: August 20, 2025
This photo was captured in Chilika Lagoon, Balugaon Fishing Harbours, Odisha, India. The word 'Chilika' comes from "Chilli-Kaa," which means "Chilli" (sea shells) and "Kaa" (abundant) in the region. Its ichthyofaunal abundance, aquatic flora and fauna richness, and migrant birds make it a biodiversity hotspot. The fishery resources of the lagoon support around 1 million people, primarily the riparian community, directly and indirectly maintaining their survival through sustainable fishing and socioeconomic development.
Along its shores, most residents are engaged in fishing. They work, eat, and live with their fishing smack, a humble yet vital boat. For them, it is more than just a vessel; it is their God, their most faithful companion. It has felt every drop of their sweat, shared in their struggles, and carried the familiar scent of the day’s catch. In a fisher’s life, the fishing smack is not merely an object, it is a lifeline, a silent witness to their endless bond with the waters of Chilika.
Photo credit and Contributor: Arghya Kunui, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: August 13, 2025
The picture was taken at Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, the core area of the Ramsar-designated wetlands of Chilika Lake. Declared a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and formally notified in 1987, this pristine habitat is renowned for its vibrant birdlife and ecological significance.
This year the Krushna Chandra Jena Chilika-V2V Annual Field School is focusing on the theme ‘Science of Happiness and Wellbeing for Community Resilience’. Our starting point at this field school is that there is much to learn about happiness and wellbeing by understanding their characteristics, and the meanings and perspectives held by people within the real-world context. So, we are deliberating on the complexities intertwined in the concepts of happiness and wellbeing and aim to unravel key dimensions necessary for strengthening community resilience and creating opportunities for coastal social-ecological systems to transition from vulnerability to viability. The photo captures a strong moment of unity, bringing together over 40 participants from three countries, alongside dedicated forest department officials and community members of Chilika. Each brought diverse experiences and perspectives, converging around a shared goal: to deepen our understanding of happiness and well-being as pathways to building resilient communities.
In the heart of Chilika, we gathered for a nine-day field school that delved into the intricate connections between human well-being, ecological health, and community resilience. Our visit to Nalbana was particularly meaningful, highlighting government-led efforts to transform the area from a threatened site into a thriving conservation zone. Beyond Nalbana, our journey took us to Mangalajodi, a living example of how local communities successfully shifted from poaching to conservation leadership; the legendary Maa Kalijai Temple, a cultural landmark revered by local people; the bustling Balugaon Central Fish Market, where we traced the intricate value chain of the fishing industry; and century-old community forest management initiatives that continue to inspire sustainable stewardship. The shared experiences, whether rooted in conservation, cultural heritage, or livelihoods, reinforce trust, relationships, and adaptive capacity, which are core elements of community resilience.
The happiness captured in this photo reflects not just the joy of new friendships or exploring a new place, but also the deep connection we formed with the people, culture, and environment of Chilika. This image will forever remind us of the lessons we learned and the collective commitment we share to fostering resilience and creating positive change in the world’s coastal communities.
Photo credit: V2V Global Partnership, 2025
Contributor: Chilika-V2V Field School Participants, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: August 6, 2025
Seine fishing landing in Tarituba, Paraty, Brazil. Seine fishing may target different species, according to the mesh size. In the case of mullet, seine fishing is performed individually or with two fishers in a canoe, using a net with a mesh size of 60-70 and variable length and height. This same net also catches sea bass and small mackerel. Depending on the size of the mesh, other fish can also be caught, such as mackerel (50) and parati (70). In seine fishing, the net is placed vertically on the water, forming a wall, directing the fish to the interior of the net. White floating devices on the top portion of the net are visible in the photo. Most fish stay free on the water, until fishers pull the net and some of the fish get stuck in the net, as shown in the photo. Most of the catch are still alive when fishers reach the beach.
Photo credit and contributor: Ana Carolina Esteves Dias, 2015
V2V Photo of the Week: July 30, 2025
In Uruguay, similar to the global trend, women involved in SSF are often not as recognized as men because they tend to engage in activities which are seen as “support roles", since they participate in different stages of the production chain other than fishing itself. Fortunately, though, more and more women have been making their voices heard, and many of them are leading their own enterprises. This has been contributing to greater women recognition and visibility within the fisheries sector.
Contributor: Diana Monserrat Cervantes Gómez, 2025
Photo credit: Parador Ceriani, 2023
V2V Photo of the Week: July 23, 2025
The tiger prawn seed collection activities in the Sundarbans is notably female-dominated, which constitutes 80–85% of the workforce. Despite their contributions, these workers remain largely trapped in vulnerabilities. These economically marginalized communities, with household incomes closely tied to the seasonal nature of seed collection, continue to suffer the impacts of financial precarity. The earnings of seed collectors, though vital, are modest and inconsistent. On an average, individual collectors gather between 1,500 to 4,000 post-larvae (PL) of shrimps daily, earning ₹250–₹700 per 1,000 PL. This effort results in a monthly income ranging from ₹8,000–₹12,000, which is vulnerable to fluctuations in tidal patterns, seed availability, weather and market dynamics. This seasonal volatility limits long-term financial planning and investments, perpetuating cycles of poverty that is intergenerational. Furthermore, the occupational health hazards faced by collectors are severe and under-acknowledged. Prolonged exposure to saline water causes chronic ailments such as dermatitis, fungal infections, and musculoskeletal issues like back pain. The risk is compounded by threats from estuarine fauna, including crocodiles and venomous snakes. These factors not only jeopardize physical health but also contribute to emotional stress and long-term work insecurity. Adding to their vulnerability is the exploitative nature of supply chains, where collectors earn a fraction of the market value due to middlemen monopolizing distribution networks. This weak bargaining position reflects systemic barriers that prevent direct market access and collective negotiation, particularly for women.
From an ecological perspective, the current practices of indiscriminate PL extraction are unsustainable, leading to bycatch mortality and potential depletion of wild shrimp populations. This calls for immediate interventions that balance livelihood needs with conservation and protection imperatives. Sustainable seed collection techniques, community-based resource monitoring, and training in alternative income-generating activities are essential steps. Equally important is the establishment of direct marketing platforms or cooperatives to enhance income retention by reducing intermediary exploitation. Overall, empowering women PL collectors through technological support, health safeguards, institutional recognition, and financial inclusion will not only improve household welfare but also promote a more sustainable shrimp seed economy in the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarbans.
Photo credit: Liton Paul, 2024
Contributor: Shreya Bhattacharya, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: July 16, 2025
This photo shows coral reefs in Karimunjawa National Park which was taken near the core zone. It represents one of the world's oldest marine parks and constitutes an important conservation area in Indonesia. Karimunjawa plays a crucial function in maintaining marine and coastal services. To preserve its sustainable management and ensure continuation of its key functions, Karimunjawa National Park is divided into nine zones: the core zone, jungle zone, marine protection zone, land use zone, tourism utilization zone, marine cultivation zone, religious zone, rehabilitation zone, and traditional fishing zone. Two of the nine zones are highly guarded for their sustainability, namely the protection and core zones.
Photo credit and contributor: Aini Nur Furoida, 2022
V2V Photo of the Week: July 9, 2025
Small-scale fisheries (SSF) in Uruguay face multiple and interdependent challenges, including those related to resource conditions, climate change, socioeconomic and governance dimensions. In this dynamic and uncertain context, fishers' adaption becomes crucial.
There are multiple ongoing adaptation strategies developed by fishers in coastal and inland Uruguay. These include the creation of fisher organizations, diversification of products (with added-value), education activities with children and youth, partnerships with other actors (such as the gastronomic sector), and the most incipient one: ecotourism (boat ride and seafood).
Photo credit: Micaela Trimble, 2023
Contributor: Diana Monserrat Cervantes Gómez, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: July 2, 2025
Mr. Herbert Fannell (photo and name published with permission), a small-scale fisherman in Oracabessa, Jamaica, patiently waits at the wharf, eager for customers drawn to his daily catch. Unfortunately, he managed to catch only a few fish that day, which is not enough to support his family's needs. Mr. Fannell travelled several kilometres across choppy seas to harvest fish using a pot, all while selling his catch within the boundary of the fish sanctuary, where at least ten large fish were spotted within a five-meter radius. When I learned that this catch is typical for most days, I could not help but ask him, "How do you manage your expenses with this income?" Mr. Fannell smiled warmly and replied, "No problem, man! We Depen Pon Fish, So We Haffi Defen Dis!" (We depend upon fish, so we have to defend this!)
The Oracabessa Fish Sanctuary is one of the first sanctuaries in Jamaica, established in 2010. This marine protected area (MPA) is dedicated to conserving marine biodiversity and fostering sustainable fishing practices. Nestled off the northern coast of Jamaica, this sanctuary was created to protect important habitats like coral reefs and mangroves, which are essential for fish spawning and nurseries. Through the enthusiastic participation of local communities, fishermen, and government agencies, the sanctuary promotes sustainable resource use, safeguards marine ecosystems, and enhances local livelihoods. It serves as a shining example of community-based conservation efforts in Jamaica, emphasizing the vital importance of environmental protection and sustainable economic development through eco-tourism and responsible fishing.
Photo credit and Contributor: K M Shahriar Nazrul, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: June 25, 2025
This photo was captured in Kolleru Lake, Elluru, Andhra Pradesh, India. In this image, the evening view of Kolleru Lake captures the moment as the golden sun reaches into the calm waters, and the scene seems to pause in great respect. Bamboo poles stand like silent sentinels, revealing the age-old rhythm of life and fishing. Floating weed and nets whisper tales of harmony between humans and nature.
"The lake is their bread, their soul, and their song,
Yet the seasons betray, and wait can be long.
Rain may not come, or floods may rise,
The fish disappear beneath silent skies.
In each cast of the net, a story is spun of trials,
of conflict, of struggle, of faith, of battles hard-won."
Photo credit and Contributor: Mamali Majhi, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: June 18, 2025
While traveling through the coastal villages near Junput, India, we encountered a fascinating yet poignant shift in the lives of the local fishing community. Once primarily dependent on fishing for their livelihood, these communities are now gradually turning towards farming. This transformation stems from a variety of complex factors, each contributing to the alteration of their way of life.
Natural calamities have played a significant role in this change. Frequent storms, coastal erosion, and other environmental disruptions have made fishing less viable. Additionally, the coastal areas, which were once peaceful and reliant on the rhythm of the sea, are now evolving into popular tourist destinations, further altering the landscape and the local habitat.
Another formidable challenge comes from the intrusion of large trawlers, which occupy vast stretches of the water that are small, traditional boats cannot reach. These trawlers not only compete for resources but also threaten the sustainability of local fishing practices that have existed for generations.
Apart from environmental challenges, the fishing community also faces socio-economic pressures. The rising cost of fishing equipment, coupled with declining fish stocks, has made it increasingly difficult for local fishermen to make a sustainable living. There is also a growing issue of limited access to markets, as larger commercial fisheries dominate the supply chain, leaving smaller fishers struggling to sell their catch at fair prices.
In response, many local community members are becoming increasingly anxious and are seeking governmental assistance. Many are shifting to agriculture, while others are compelled to migrate in search of work elsewhere. The government, acknowledging these pressing concerns, is contemplating initiatives to support small-scale fisheries, while also striving to protect the marine habitats that sustain key species essential to the region’s ecological balance.
This evolving scenario reflects both the resilience and the vulnerability of communities caught between tradition and the forces of modern development.
Photo credit and Contributor: Soumi Bandyopadhyay, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: June 11, 2025
This is a vivid and evocative photograph capturing a quiet moment in the Sundarbans. In the foreground, a small traditional wooden boat — a nouka — floats on calm greenish water near the muddy riverbank. Three men are aboard the boat: one is standing with an oar at the rear, steering or anchoring the vessel, while the other two are at the front, crouched and seemingly at work, tending to a crab line. The boat is modest but functional, partially covered with a makeshift, curved shelter made from tarpaulin and bamboo, which is used for extended crabbing trips of 7-8 days in the mangroves. Various tools and supplies are visible, including a yellow container, ropes, and a pile of gear — all indicating the boat’s use in crab collection. Behind them, the dense, iconic mangrove forest stretches out. The exposed roots of the mangrove trees form a dramatic, tangled lattice along the muddy shoreline, reflecting the region’s tidal nature and rich biodiversity. The trees are sturdy and tall, with a mix of green foliage and bare, gnarled branches. The earth is wet and uneven, hinting at the ever-shifting terrain shaped by the tides. Overall, the photo captures the symbiosis between people and nature in the Sundarbans — a glimpse into the daily lives of small-scale fishers working in one of the world’s most unique and challenging environments.
Photo credit and Contributor: Pallabi Chakraborty, 2023
V2V Photo of the Week: June 4, 2025
It’s that time again – let’s bring all the boats into the harbor!
The photo was captured in the charming Nijhum Dwip, a lovely, remote island on the mid-southern coast of Bangladesh, during mid-April. In accordance with this year’s 58-day fishing ban, all the small-scale fishers have returned their boats to the harbor. While some explore different livelihood options during this time, others take the opportunity to repair their boats and nets, eagerly preparing for a fresh start when the new season begins. This ban typically lasts for 65 days, running from mid-May to mid-July; however, at the fishers’ request, the Government of Bangladesh graciously moved the season one month earlier. Although there are mixed feelings among fishers in different regions, those on this beautiful island embrace the ban wholeheartedly, even though many do not receive the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) rice support from the government.
The 58-day fishing ban in Bangladesh is a seasonal measure that coincides with the spawning season of many freshwater and coastal fish species. It is implemented every year to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fisheries for the future. During this time, fishers are prohibited from catching, selling, or transporting fish in designated water bodies to give fish a chance to spawn and regenerate, which supports the long-term health of fish stocks. This compassionate ban aims to prevent overfishing, conserve aquatic biodiversity, and enhance the livelihoods of fishers by promoting sustainable practices. It is an essential part of Bangladesh’s broader commitment to managing fisheries sustainably and ensuring food security for its people.
Photo credit & Contributor: K M Shahriar Nazrul, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: May 28, 2025
This photo was taken at Baguran Jalpai, West Bengal, India, showing the vibrant red crabs, which are recognized as keystone species vital to the health of the coastal ecosystem. Their burrowing stabilizes the sandy beaches, supports dune vegetation, and sustains the food web for various birds and marine species. Acknowledging their ecological importance, both the local community and the government have taken active steps to preserve their habitat. Certain beach areas have been restricted from vehicular movement to prevent the destruction of crab burrows. Eco-tourism initiatives promote responsible travel practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to the crabs during their breeding seasons. Awareness campaigns among tourists and locals emphasize the importance of protecting the crabs and their fragile ecosystem. Efforts are also underway to designate parts of the beach as conservation zones and to conduct regular monitoring of the crab population. These measures collectively ensure that the red crabs of Baguran Jalpai continue to thrive, safeguarding the ecological balance of the coastal landscape.
Photo credit and Contributors: Dipanjan Bhattacharyya & Soumi Bandyopadhyay, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: May 21, 2025
This photo was taken in Yoichi Bay, Yoichi Town, Hokkaido, which captures Sachie Kawauchiya, one of the few female fishers in Japan. She is currently a member of the town council. When her father fell ill, she took over the family fishing, small-scale gillnet, and sea urchin collection. As a fisher and a politician, she believes her mission is to protect the bountiful oceans. Growing up watching her father work on the ocean, she says one of the most rewarding moments of being a fisher is showing her children her work on the sea and telling them the meaning of their family fishing.
Photo credit and Contributor: Yinji Li, 2023
V2V Photo of the Week: May 14, 2025
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This stunning image of wooden fishing boats at sunset, anchored in the Bay of Bengal, highlights the lifeline of small-scale fisheries, which sustain coastal livelihoods, provide food security, and maintain cultural heritage. However, they are highly vulnerable to environmental changes, overfishing, and socio-economic pressures. There is a need to foster community-based resource management, resource access, capacity building, and alternative livelihood to enhance resilience and protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
Photo credit: Sanowar Hossain Sumon and Reashan Ujjaman, 2025
Contributors: Reashan Ujjaman, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: May 7, 2025
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This photo was taken during the recently concluded Ărramăt - T6 Pathway Indigenous Youth Cultural Camp on Sustainable Indigenous Livelihoods and Economies (SILE), held from April 27 to May 2, 2025, in Ban Mae Ning Nai, Chiang Mai, Thailand. V2V Global Partnership is grateful to have collaborated in organizing this youth camp that brought together Indigenous youth, elders, scholars, and practitioners to explore how health, wellbeing, and biodiversity conservation are deeply interconnected in Indigenous worldviews and ways of life. Rooted in the Karen people's traditions—such as rotational farming, thousand-year tea cultivation, and traditional weaving—the camp provided a powerful platform for intergenerational knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Guided by the vision of Ărramăt—a Tamasheq word for a state of collective wellbeing shared by people, animals, and the environment—the camp emphasized the importance of SILE as a transformative pathway for sustainable futures. Through experiential, place-based learning and collaboration, participants reflected on how Indigenous-led conservation practices and sustainable economies can foster resilience, self-sufficiency, and cultural continuity. The wisdom and leadership of Indigenous youth shine as a beacon for future efforts toward holistic wellbeing and biodiversity stewardship.
Photo credit: Prateep Nayak, 2025
Contributor: Prateep Nayak and Richard Niyawung, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: April 30, 2025
This photo was taken in Kumirmari in the Sundarbans of India and shows wooden embankments. Those constructions are more than mere structures of defense; they embody the art of adaptation—of humanity learning to live with nature rather than against it. Built from timber, a material both sturdy and yielding, these embankments demonstrate a deep understanding of the landscapes they inhabit. They do not resist water with brute force but absorb its energy, bending and weathering with time, much like the communities that build them.
Their surfaces, worn smooth by wind and waves, bear the marks of change—a testament to resilience through transformation. Unlike rigid concrete walls that crack under pressure, wooden embankments flex, erode, and are often rebuilt, embracing the cycles of nature rather than opposing them. They become living structures intertwined with moss, roots, and the silt they hold back, blurring the boundary between human ingenuity and natural evolution.
In this, they symbolize the spirit of adaptation: the wisdom of working with the forces of the world rather than against them. Just as rivers carve new paths and forests reclaim forgotten spaces, wooden embankments remind us that survival is not about resisting change but finding strength in fluidity, in the quiet art of yielding and enduring.
Photo credit and Contributor: Soumi Bandyopadhyay, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: April 23, 2025
This photo was taken in Kumirmari village, a remote community located in the Sundarbans of West Bengal in India. In Kumirmari, fishing is a vital livelihood for many in the coastal area. Women, often the unsung backbone of the fisheries sector, play a crucial role in sorting fish before they reach the market. This image captures the active involvement of small-scale women fishers, showcasing their essential contributions to the fisheries sector.
Photo Credit: Liton Paul, 2025
Contributors: Liton Paul & Basanta K.Das, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: April 16, 2025
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This photo was captured at the Mangalajodi village in Chilika Lagoon of India which has emerged as one of the most important community-based conservation sites and a major eco-tourism center in South Asia. Within the Mangaljodi Eco tourism initiative, the local community discovered a means to generate a legitimate source of income. Historically, Mangaljodi was a prominent site for bird migration and breeding, and poaching of these birds was prevalent, providing a livelihood for the community.
However, as awareness grew regarding the importance of conservation and its potential benefits, the community embarked on an initiative to protect these birds, ensuring their sustenance and sustainable livelihood. The Mangaljodi story exemplifies the perseverance of a group dedicated to earning an honest living and contributing positively to preserving the Chilika ecosystem. It underscores the profound impact of seemingly small actions on a community and its interconnected ecosystem.
Photo credit and Contributor: Muhammed Musthafa, 2024
V2V Photo of the Week: April 9, 2025
The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), in collaboration with the V2V Global Partnership, organized a mass awareness program on small-scale inland fisheries sustainability in Kultali, Sundarbans, India, on 25th March 2025. The event witnessed the participation of 600 Scheduled Caste and Tribe rural women. The program aimed to sensitize local women about alternative livelihood opportunities for their empowerment. Discussions also focused on the social and economic barriers they face and the financial challenges affecting their families. The initiative sought to encourage sustainable practices in inland fisheries while addressing key livelihood concerns in the region. As part of the initiative, a special awareness program on Hilsa Tenualosa Ilisha and Gangetic Dolphin was also conducted.
Photo credit and Contributor: Shreya Bhattacharya and Basanta Kumar Das, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: April 2, 2025
This photo, taken at Gudivakalanka, a Kolleru Lake village in India, reflects the aspirations of fishers caught between traditionality and modernity due to changes in socio-economic and psychological conditions over the past few decades.
As the sun sets, the fishers return to their village from their daily routine of working as wage laborers in the fish (aquaculture) ponds. A sense of satisfaction in earning their livelihood, and at the same time, dissatisfaction for not being able to earn enough as they have become daily wage earners from their earlier position of being land owners, due to the influence and pressures from external forces. For some, sunset is a bright day ahead; for others, it signifies a bleak and gloomy future.
The calmness prevailing around the Kanakadurga temple in the background speaks of the thoughts of fishers and their families, who have been going through varied emotions. This is a testament that fishing cannot be separated from their lives, come what may. We can only hope that fishers’ anger, resentment, discontent and silence soon turn to loud joy and happiness as they actively become partners in Kolleru Lake restoration and ecological preservation.
Photo credit and Contributor: Raja Bhushanam Singavarapu, 2024
V2V Photo of the Week: March 26, 2025
This photo was taken in Princess Town, a community in the Western Region of Ghana and a hotspot for sea turtle nesting. Scattered across the beach like ghostly trophies lie the discarded shells of sea turtles – silent victims of poaching. Bleached by the relentless sun, these empty husks represent a cruel theft: the loss of life and the disruption of a timeless dance. Each shell whispers a story of a violated nesting ritual, stolen eggs, and a future brutally cut short. They stand as a stark reminder of the consequences of greed, a chilling message for those who would exploit the ocean's treasures.
These discarded shells are more than just debris; they are a call to action. They urge us to protect these ancient mariners and safeguard the delicate balance of the marine environment. Let these bleached sentinels serve as a catalyst for change, a reminder of the beauty and vulnerability of life in our oceans.
Photo credit and Contributor: Richmond Korang, 2018
V2V Photo of the Week: March 19, 2025
This photo was captured in Kumirmari Village, Sundarbans, West Bengal, India. In this image, a group of women and one man sit together near the riverbank, sorting fish from waste. The fish, mixed with mud and various species, are carefully separated and divided among them to ensure that all households are fed. This scene illustrates the significance of solidarity as a strategy for resilience, particularly when facing complex and multifaceted challenges. It demonstrates that collective action is essential for overcoming such obstacles.
Moreover, this image reflects the prevailing gender ideology in society, where women play a vital role. It also highlights the importance of rivers as a primary source of food for the residents. Sustainable fishing practices provide essential nutrients for villagers who may be unable to afford food from the market. The mud consists of plastics, which are non-biodegradable waste and pose a major threat to the species inhabiting the riverbank. This issue is a significant concern for the ecology of the Sundarbans.
Photo credit and Contributor: Moumita Dey, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: March 12, 2025
As the golden sun sinks below the horizon, its fading light casts a warm glow over the river that separates Munshiganj from Gabura. Three boats rest across the water of the Sundarbans, each carrying a story of the Sundarbans’ intertwined livelihood, hopes, and dreams. A brightly painted tourism boat is resting after a long day of carrying visitors eager to witness the beauty of the mighty Sundarbans. To its right, a simple boat is resting, which is used to ferry villagers across the river. On the left, a weathered wooden boat used by small-scale fishers is moored after a day’s labor. Together, these boats tell the story of the line in the Sundarbans, where the river is both a path and a provider.
Photo credit and Contributor: Sanzida Alam, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: March 5, 2025
This photo was taken in Princess Town, a community in the Western Region of Ghana. The delicate dance between survival and exploitation unfolds on many beaches at night. Here, fishers, driven by a misguided pursuit of profit, engage in a practice that threatens the very existence of sea turtles – the harvesting of their eggs. These ancient mariners, vulnerable during their nesting season, lay their eggs on sandy shores. However, instead of being nurtured by the warmth of the sun, these eggs become a target for poachers. The eggs, considered a delicacy or aphrodisiac in some cultures, are often stolen, leaving a devastating impact on turtle populations. This practice is not only cruel but also unsustainable. With fewer hatchlings reaching maturity, the delicate balance of the ecosystem is disrupted. Tourism, which thrives on healthy coral reefs maintained by sea turtles, suffers. The loss of these gentle giants weakens the entire marine environment.
Urgent action is needed. Stricter enforcement of poaching laws, education campaigns in local communities, and alternative livelihoods for fishers are crucial steps. Only then can we ensure that the beaches remain a safe haven for nesting turtles, and the dance between these magnificent creatures and the sea continues for generations to come.
Photo Credit and Contributor: Richmond Korang, 2018
V2V Photo of the Week: February 26, 2025
This image was taken in Kumirmari, one of the remotest island villages in the Gosaba block of the Indian Sundarbans, which is bestowed with unique political-social and ecological features. I tried to capture the essence of life in the Sundarbans, a unique ecosystem where the river and the people are intertwined. This boat, laden with goods and people, goes to a local market or a weekly haat/Bazaar. Here, we see a slightly off-center boat moving diagonally across the frame, creating a dynamic sense of motion. Also, I tried to show water in most of the areas in my frame to emphasize the value of the river. I have tried to capture this image so that the boat symbolizes journey, survival, and transition. It is also both a vessel of livelihood and a symbol of the resilience of the Sundarbans people. This boat carries diverse people with their own stories and dreams. This is not just a boat; it looks like a floating community to me and is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Sundarbans people.
Photo credit and Contributor: Subham Mondal, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: February 19, 2025
This photo was taken in Kumirmari in the Sundarbans of India, where the Indigenous community fishes in a sustainable and collectively governed practice rooted in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Local communities manage aquatic resources, emphasizing ecological balance and long-term sustainability, using fishing techniques that respect natural cycles. Decisions are made communally, often guided by elders, to ensure the preservation of resources for future generations. This governance model fosters social cohesion and resilience, allowing communities to adapt to environmental changes while maintaining biodiversity. By integrating cultural practices with ecological stewardship, indigenous fishing systems provide a sustainable approach to resource management, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people and nature.
Photo credit and Contributor: Soumi Bandyopadhyay, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: February 12, 2025
This photo was taken in Kumirmari village, a remote community located in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal in India. Being an island village surrounded by rivers, it serves as the epicenter of several natural disasters. Due to limited employment opportunities and the village's remoteness, fishing is a crucial livelihood for its residents. Among the fishing methods used here, the behundi jal (a small bag net with a mesh size of less than 40 mm) is particularly prevalent. However, this method has significant ecological consequences, as it indiscriminately captures juvenile fish, contributing to biodiversity loss. Despite this, the practice remains an essential source of income for the villagers, particularly women, who play a key role in fishing and post-harvest activities. In the past, fish stocks in the region were abundant. Still, industrial pollution from urban areas and using poor-quality diesel in motorized boats have significantly depleted fish populations. While halting fishing altogether is not a feasible solution, regulating mesh sizes in nets could mitigate the impact on biodiversity. Additionally, collective governance is needed to curb substandard mixed fuels and address pollution issues. These photographs capture these interconnected challenges and the socio-economic realities of the community.
Photo Credit: Liton Paul, 2025
Contributors: Liton Paul & B.K.Das, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: February 05, 2025
I met this fisher with my other field schoolmates during a community visit on 20 Feb 2025 at the bank of the Puinjali River in Sundarbans during the winter 2025 field school. In Hindi, I told them my name, and they shared with me that we were in the island village of Kumirmari to learn about their life and the Sundarbans. He just nodded slightly. Perhaps he did not understand what am trying to ask or share. I am sure I interrupted him, but he did not show his anger or discomfort and returned to his work. I showed my small GoPro camera and used my body language to seek consent to take a picture of him and a brief video of how he is fishing with a simple rope and a little floating device we can see in the image. He nodded again, and I took this as if he had given me the consent, but I should have asked once again to make sure. But as an external/ uninvited guest to this island, I am so focused on capturing the moment while he attaches a small prawn as a bite at the end of the thread. After these conversations or interruptions, we returned that evening to the field school venue, and we shared what we saw and the images we formed while thinking about situated adaptation and collective governance – the themes of the field school. After two days of this visit, I returned to Kamloops, but this particular visual and incident kept coming.
I asked my colleague about the practice and learned that hook-and-line fishing involves setting a fishing line in the water with baited hooks. It is done by hand or using a rod and reel or longlines. In this case, I have not seen a very long line of thread (we can see it in the visual), and I have not seen many hooks either. He kept a wooden stick (not seen in the picture) with a plastic bottle on the shore, and after throwing that thread with the few baits, he tied the thread to this stick and looked at me. I looked at him, and without any further conversations, we departed.
I understand now that small-scale fishing is not a homogenous entity. All small-scale fishers are not the same. How do I understand the livelihood of the people of Sundarbans when I have images of the traditional practices like the one I saw during our village visits and the big trawlers with India and Bangladesh flags, transporting and scooping the ocean floor and net fishing by community members with Zero net on the way to the Sundarbans sanctuary the next day. These images are very contradictory to me, but they are real. How do we understand and learn about situated adaptation and collective governance in Sundarbans and beyond?
Photo credit and Contributor: Bala Nikku, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: January 29, 2025
Amid the vast, shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, colorful fishing boats like this one are a common sight. These traditional vessels are essential for local fishermen, who depend on the bay’s abundant marine life for their livelihood. Painted in vibrant colors, the boats reflect practicality and cultural pride, standing out in the open sea while symbolizing the resilience of coastal communities.
Alongside these boats, seagulls play a crucial role in the ecosystem and the daily rhythm of fishing life. Often seen circling above or trailing behind, they are more than mere companions. Seagulls are natural indicators of fish-rich areas, guiding fishermen toward potential catches. Their presence also highlights the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem, where every creature—from seagulls to fish—plays a vital role in maintaining balance.
Each day, fishermen set out at dawn, navigating the unpredictable tides with skill and determination. Their work is vital for the economy and preserving a way of life passed down through generations. However, they face growing challenges such as overfishing, climate change, and rising sea levels, threatening their future. This boat, a symbol of tradition and survival, and its ever-present seagull companions remind us of the delicate balance between nature and humanity.
Let’s support sustainable practices and celebrate the rich maritime heritage of the Bay of Bengal, ensuring that both fishermen and the thriving ecosystem they depend on endure for generations to come.
Photo credit and Contributor: Efaj Salekin Arnob, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: January 22, 2025
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This photo was captured during the ongoing Winter Field School in the Sundarbans, India. This weeklong initiative has brought together a diverse cohort of students, early-career researchers, practitioners, civil society members, government officials, and local community representatives. In the heart of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem and the fastest-growing delta, the Sundarbans, this program is a unique platform for collaborative learning and hands-on exploration of pressing social-ecological challenges.
Participants engage in an enriching mix of classroom teaching and immersive fieldwork, diving into themes such as adaptive responses, collective governance, and transitions from vulnerability to viability. The school fosters innovative, transdisciplinary approaches and equips participants with skills and methods to address complex real-world issues. Central to these discussions is the role of governance, shaped by policymakers and the collective efforts of stakeholders at all levels, from grassroots communities to international actors.
This photo captures the spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange as participants work toward novel strategies and place-based solutions for sustainable and inclusive transformations within the transboundary social-ecological system of the Sundarbans. It is a testament to the power of bringing diverse perspectives together to drive change in one of the planet's most dynamic and fragile ecosystems.
Photo credit and Contributor: V2V Global Partnership, 2025
V2V Photo of the Week: January 15, 2025
The photograph was captured at Mundikodu village of Kolleru Lake area of Andhra Pradesh, India. The photo depicts the fisherman collecting small fish by using traditional bamboo trap standing in the shallow waters of Kolleru wetland. Fishing in Kolleru is not just a means of livelihood but also deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of the local communities. Fishermen in Kolleru Lake primarily use traditional methods, such as handmade traps, nets, and small boats. The handmade bamboo or cane traps are locally called “veduru vala” or “bokka peta”. These traps are placed strategically in shallow waters to catch fish and crabs. Techniques are often eco-friendly and designed to catch indigenous fish, crabs, and other shellfish sustainably. The daily catch is used for both personal consumption and selling in nearby markets. Fish varieties such as rohu, catla, murrel, and prawns are common.
Photo credit and Contributor: Shreya Bhattacharya, 2024
V2V Photo of the Week: January 8, 2025
This photo was taken in Dubiyahi village of Supaul district in Bihar, India, where a fisherman has completed fishing and is patiently mending his net. The art of mending nets is a time-honored tradition that combines skill, patience, and knowledge passed down through generations. Fishers' nets are essential for their trade, and keeping them in good repair is crucial for a successful catch. It's not just about patching holes but ensuring the net retains its strength, as each mend tells a story of battles with the river currents and the fishers’ dedication to their craft.
Photo credit and Contributor: Anurag Singh, Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, 2024