Context
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It is also severely affected by climate change. The Sundarbans, located in the south-west of the country, is the largest and one of the last remaining mangrove forests in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also supports the livelihoods of 10 million people and protects inland areas from storm surges, and it provides a habitat for unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Bengal tiger. However, the great biodiversity and the protective function of the mangrove forests are under threat from the high population density and intensive economic activity in the area.
Objective
The people in the pilot regions of the Sundarbans participate in the conservation of biodiversity in the ecologically sensitive dyke zones.
Approach
The project supports the implementation of the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. It is particularly relevant for the disaster management, and capacity building and institutional strengthening pillars of that strategy. It is building the capacities of the local authorities and local people to contribute to improved biodiversity conservation and management in the Sunderbans. It also provides advisory services and training for ministerial staff and promotes mediation processes between user groups and government agencies with respect to user rights.
Results achieved so far
Five sections of embankment have been rehabilitated and plantations have been planted to stabilise the embankments. New training courses have been introduced and are on-going. This work has been completed through a co-management approach, and with the participation of women and minorities, all of which is new for this kind of work in the region.
On a number of occasions, the project has already brought together representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations, universities, the private sector and international organisations. This process enables decision-makers to work together and it simplifies coordination processes.
Training courses have been carried out to teach the sustainable cultivation of the nypa palm as well as alternative livelihood strategies, such as honey collection. The project is preparing the first production of juvenile mud-crabs (crablets). This should reduce the pressure on the Sundarbans Reserve Forest, where crablets are taken, despite the fact that mud-crabs are becoming increasingly endangered.
The project has started to work with a private shrimp processing company on the greening of dykes. The company itself works with 3,500 small-scale farmers producing certified organic shrimps that are sold in Germany and France at attractive prices. The shrimp farmers use sustainable, eco-friendly production methods that contribute to biodiversity conservation.