The Indian Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most ecologically significant yet vulnerable coastal ecosystems. Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, the region faces severe threats from climate change, coastal erosion, deforestation, and unregulated human activities. Sustainable resource management is essential for the conservation of mangroves, which act as natural buffers against cyclones, storm surges, and coastal degradation. Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PGIS) have emerged as a valuable tool for integrating local knowledge with geospatial data to develop effective conservation strategies. This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating PGIS tools and techniques along with other quantitative and qualitative methods to map and analyze mangrove distribution and degradation trends in selected villages of the Indian Sundarbans. Primary data were collected from 250 participants through focus group discussions (FGDs), participatory mapping exercises, key informant interviews, and GPS-based field surveys involving local communities, fisherfolk, and forest officials. Secondary data, including Landsat satellite imagery and official mangrove maps, were analyzed using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Spatial and tem-poral changes in mangrove cover were assessed, and community perceptions regarding conservation challenges and op-portunities were documented. The findings indicate significant mangrove loss in areas with high human intervention, whereas community-protected zones demonstrate greater resilience and regrowth. PGIS has facilitated the identification of priority conservation zones, encroachment hotspots, and traditional knowledge-based sustainable practices. Moreover, community engagement has strengthened local stewardship in mangrove management, fostering a collective sense of responsibility for conservation. The study highlights the effectiveness of PGIS as a participatory conservation tool that bridges scientific data with local knowledge. It advocates for community-driven, technology-supported conservation policies to promote sustainable mangrove management in the Sundarbans. So, the strengthening participatory governance models through PGIS can enhance long-term ecological resilience and climate adaptation in the region.

Mangrove Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Coastal Socio-ecological System, Application of Participatory GIS, Mixed-method Approach, Traditional Knowledge and Sustainability, Indian Sundarban