Sundarban Honey as Geographical Indication of Bangladesh

Journal: Trends in Intellectual Property Research

Publication: 2025-07-27 · Vol. 3 No. 2

DOI: 10.69971/tipr.3.2.2025.46

Abstract

Sundarban Honey possesses distinctive nutritional, sensory and chemical characteristics that arise from the unique mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans. Sundarban Honey met the essential criteria of origin specificity, quality linkage and traditional expertise to get a GI tag. This article examines the ongoing dispute between India and Bangladesh regarding Geographical Indication (GI) tag of Sundarban Honey. It reviews the legal procedure for GI registration in Bangladesh under Bangladesh’s 2013 GI Act and compares the honey’s protection needs with those of Manuka Honey in New Zealand and EU designations such as Miel de Provence. The analysis identifies key challenges in weak institutional capacity, and lack of community organization that led to Indian claims on this product earlier than Bangladesh. It is recommended to strengthen traceability, empower local cooperatives, and enhance cross-border cooperation with Indian Sundarbans stakeholders. Sundarban Honey GI tag in Bangladesh will preserve cultural heritage, support rural livelihoods, advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development.