Tanguar Haor project launched for community-led wetland conservation

Ahead of the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May, a new initiative was launched today (13 May) in Dhaka to conserve biodiversity and promote community-based ecosystem and natural resource management in Tanguar Haor, a Ramsar site and one of Bangladesh's most ecologically important wetlands.

The project, titled "Community-based Management of Tanguar Haor Wetland Ecosystem", was introduced at an inception workshop jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

With $4.05 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year initiative, implemented by the Department of Environment (DoE) and supported by UNDP, aims to promote the sustainable use of Tanguar Haor's wetland resources by engaging local communities in co-management. It will focus on restoring critical swamp forest and aquatic habitats, while also supporting alternative livelihoods. The launch of this project underscores Bangladesh's commitment to biodiversity conservation through inclusive, nature-based solutions.

Chief Guest Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasised the government's continued focus on community-led approaches. She stated, "Empowering communities is key to ecological sustainability. Tanguar Haor is not just for Sunamganj, it matters to us all. By combining local indigenous knowledge with science, this project can be a model for biodiversity conservation worldwide. I thank GEF for their continued support."

Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, spoke as a special guest and highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving lasting results. He said, "Over the years, UNDP, alongside national partners, has successfully mobilised over $350 million from GEF to support development initiatives aligned with Bangladesh's national conservation and development priorities. This new initiative at Tanguar Haor will build on previous successes and strengthen local capacities across governments, communities, civil society, and the private sector."

Stefan Liller further added, "It will deliver strategically designed, risk-informed conservation management plans supported by robust economic valuation, cost-benefit analyses, and scalable, nature-based solutions tailored to the local context."

Joining virtually, Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia, Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj, stressed the importance of incorporating local knowledge and ensuring community participation throughout the project's implementation.

The workshop was chaired by Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, ndc, Director General of the Department of Environment, who highlighted the department's leadership in promoting integrated wetland management through community engagement.

The initiative covers the Tanguar Haor Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in Sunamganj and will benefit more than 3,000 people, ensuring gender balance. Key components include restoring over 1,500 hectares of critical forests and aquatic habitat for fish and birds, creating biodiversity sanctuaries, supporting micro-enterprises and gender-responsive MSMEs, and promoting wetland-based agriculture, aquaculture, and responsible tourism. With a strong focus on ecological monitoring, biodiversity finance, and gender mainstreaming, the project aligns with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

The inception workshop brought together more than 110 senior officials from various ministries, line agencies, UNDP, research institutions, academia, civil society, NGOs, associations, the private sector, and development partners. The interactive discussion session gathered valuable insights and feedback from key stakeholders, contributing to the development of a pragmatic and inclusive work plan to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the project.