Conservation of tidal wetlands in southwest coastal region of Bangladesh

The southwest coastal region of Bangladesh is an active part of Ganges Delta formed by alluvial soil carried in by the upstream flows. Most of the part of this region (about 70% of the total landmass) are coastal wetlands by nature, that are connected with many estuarine rivers of the Bay of Bengal. The coastal wetlands are very rich in biodiversity and highly biological productive in nature and are the grazing and breeding ground of many marine species. Coastal wetlands also provide habitat for a wide variety of resident and migratory waterfowls. In the 1960s the Coastal Embankment Project (CEP) was initiated to protect saline water entrance to the coastal wetlands. The main objectives of the CEP were to increase agricultural lands converting the wetlands to dry-lands and to introduce High Yielding Variety of rice to these lands. Many estuarine rivers were blocked, and inadequate drainage facilities of the monsoon water created waterlogging in the most part of the wetlands. Eventually, agriculture was abandoned, after which shrimp farming was introduced in the now waterlogged fields. In 2004, CDP carried out a project (funded by SWP) with the purpose to develop an 'Advocacy Plan' for conservation of coastal wetlands with active participation of the local people, civil society's members and academicians in the area. Major problems identified during the workshops and focus group discussions were, amongst others; poor people having no access to the wetlands; loss of biodiversity; no/low income; low production of rice and vegetable; scarcity of drinking water; no nutritious food sources (fish and vegetables); reduced livestock; increased disease; lease out of wetlands (for shrimp farming); scarcity of fuel; no education for children. These problems were mostly attributed to: (1) building of coastal embankment under the CEP; (2) siltation in the riverbeds; (3) ill-planned shrimp farming in the coastal wetlands; and (4) reduced freshwater flow in the upstream rivers. By reviewing existing plans and policies, information was gathered on gaps and opportunities for wetland conservation and management. Goal of the follow-up project ('Advocay Plan') is to restore biodiversity of the coastal wetlands in southwest Bangladesh, through creating an enabling situation towards formulation of a policy towards conservation of the coastal wetlands. Specific objectives: * Raise awareness among different segments of the population on values of coastal wetlands. * Create broader constituency in favour of coastal wetlands conservation. * Publicise the issues at national and international level. * Create political commitments towards formulation of a separate policy for coastal wetlands in southwest Bangladesh. Activities: * Social mobilisation: mass awareness creation; courtyard meeting. * Alliance building with like-minded organisations, strengthening civil society movement. * Networking and media campaign: networking with national and international organisations, media campaign. * Persuasion and lobbying at Upazila and district level; lobby with policymakers.

Awareness of the wetland values for biodiversity and people’s livelihoods among the different stakeholder groups has been developed, and the bargaining capacity of local people in their relation with the local government has increased. The ideas and issues related to tidal wetland conservation are now reflected in the draft national policy documents. In the different National Policy, Strategy, Management Guidelines the issue of Tidal wetland management and its community ownership and positive relationship between livelihood and nature conservation are taken into consideration. Also, the commercial shrimp farmers association has understood the importance to conserve the tidal wetland eco-system and they are taking some measures in this direction.