Govt finalises plan for Swatch of No-Ground to protect marine biodiversity: Rizwana

The government has finalised the Integrated Management Plan for the Swatch of No-Ground Marine Protected Area (SONG-MPA, aiming to safeguard globally threatened marine species, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said.

The adviser came up with the information at a meeting for finalising the Integrated Management Plan for the Swatch of no-ground Marine Protected Area (SONG-MPA) held virtually today (8 January).

The government took the plan to protect threatened marine species such as dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, and turtles, along with their habitats, through marine spatial planning, community engagement, and multi-agency enforcement, she said.

She also said the plan not only ensures biodiversity protection but also supports sustainable marine fisheries and coastal livelihoods, contributing to a resilient blue economy.

The plan emphasises strategic zoning, pollution control, and active participation of coastal communities as stewards of the marine ecosystem, she added.

She said led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the initiative underscores a collaborative approach with multiple agencies and coastal communities to balance marine resource utilization with environmental preservation.

The plan is a cornerstone for advancing Bangladesh's commitment to marine biodiversity conservation and a thriving blue economy, said the adviser.

The management plan integrates data from comprehensive surveys, stakeholder consultations, and research, detailing current conditions, proposed strategies, and actionable recommendations.

It designates critical zones, including Fish Spawning, Marine Wildlife Protection, and Sustainable Fishery areas.