Oxbow lakes, formed from abandoned river meanders, are unique wetlands that play a crucial role in supporting aquatic biodiversity and sustaining local communities through their ecosystem services. This study focuses on the Beledanga oxbow lake, highlighting its ecosystem services and the critical role of hydrological connectivity with the adjacent river for maintaining ecological functionality and sustainability. Using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework, the study assessed provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services through field surveys, stakeholder consultations, and secondary data analysis. Results show that the lake provides essential provisioning services, such as fisheries and irrigation, which support local food security and income generation. It also plays a role in regulating services like water management and carbon sequestration, while its biodiversity underpins vital ecological functions, including nutrient cycling and habitat provision. However, challenges such as seasonal water scarcity and macrophyte infestation threaten the lake's productivity and connectivity with the river. The study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts involving local stakeholders to devise water management strategies and remove macrophytes, utilizing government initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for funding. Additionally, the establishment of robust monitoring systems for sustainable fisheries management and incentive programs for conservation efforts are recommended. The research highlights the importance of hydrological connectivity in sustaining the lake's ecosystem services and enhancing biodiversity. By integrating local knowledge and stakeholder engagement, this study provides valuable insights into the sustainable management of oxbow lakes and highlights the broader significance of river-oxbow lake connectivity in wetland conservation efforts. The findings also have implications for broader wetland conservation policies in similar ecosystems.

Small indigenous fishes (SIF) play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods and nutritional security of the rural population in Southern Asia. However, their abundance and diversity are under threat due to overexploitation and profitable extensive aquaculture, resulting in a sharp decline, particularly in India. Unfortunately, conservation strategies for SIF have received little attention from researchers, making it imperative to understand stakeholders’ decision-making processes to develop effective conservation strategies. This article aims to quantitatively identify the factors that influence fishermen’s intention to participate in and pay for SIF conservation efforts. The study utilizes questionnaire-based survey data from 100 households engaged in local fisheries in the rural Indian Sundarbans. To gain critical insight into fishermen’s decision processes, a bivariate logistic Generalized Additive Model is employed, focusing on willingness-to-participate and willingness-to-pay for SIF conservation. The study’s results indicate that several factors significantly influence fishermen’s willingness-to-participate in conservation efforts. These include Literacy, Conservation awareness, and Occupation. On the other hand, Conservation awareness and Household income are identified as significant determinants of fishermen’s willingness-to-pay for SIF conservation initiatives. One intriguing finding of the research is the identification of a nonlinear response-age curve for both willingness-to-participate and willingness-to-pay, as well as their interaction. Notably, the 45-50 years old age group emerged as the most likely implementers of small indigenous fish conservation strategies, suggesting that targeting this age group in conservation programs could yield positive outcomes. The study underscores the importance of various conservation strategies to bolster SIF preservation in the region. Recommendations include increasing and extending conservation awareness programs, specifically targeting suitable age-group individuals with appropriate education, household income, and occupation. These strategies are vital for formulating effective conservation guidelines that align with the specific needs and characteristics of the region. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the factors influencing fishermen’s participation and willingness to financially support the conservation of small indigenous fish in the rural Indian Sundarbans. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable measures to safeguard SIF populations and ensure the continued livelihoods and nutritional security of the local communities.