Pantho Rahaman
Dhaka, 13 May 2025
A new initiative was launched today on 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 “Community-based Management of Tanguar Haor Wetland Ecosystem,” was introduced at an inception workshop jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
With $4.05 million funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year initiative 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 underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to biodiversity conservation through inclusive, nature-based solutions.
Chief Guest Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the government’s continued focus on community-led approaches. “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 for the World. I thank GEF for their continued support.”
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving lasting results. He said, “Over the years, UNDP, alongside national partners, has successfully mobilised over $350 million from the GEF to support development initiatives aligned with Bangladesh’s national conservation and development priorities.
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.
