Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed spoke at a workshop in the capital today. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, May 13, 2025 (BSS)- Ahead of the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, a new initiative was launched today 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 "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) in the capital.

With US$ 4.05 million funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year initiative, to be implemented by Department of Environment (DoE) and supported by UNDP, aims to promote sustainable use of wetland resources of Tanguar Haor by engaging local communities in co-management, restoring critical swamp forest and aquatic habitats, and supporting alternative livelihoods. 

The launch underscored Bangladesh's commitment to biodiversity conservation through inclusive, nature-based solutions, a UNDP press release said.

Speaking as the chief guest Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed emphasised the government's continued focus on community-led approaches. 

"Empowering communities is a 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 for the World. I thank GEF for their continued support," she said.

Speaking at the event as a special guest, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving lasting results. 

He said, "Over the years, UNDP, alongside national partners, has successfully mobilised over US$ 350 million from the 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 private sectors."

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

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

The workshop was chaired by Dr Md Kamruzzaman, 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 the different ministries, line agencies, UNDP, research and academia, civil society, NGO, association, 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.