The Sundarbans of Bangladesh are already experiencing the ecological effects of global climate change and declining freshwater supplies: seawater is encroaching farther into the mangrove forest and sedimentation is increasing in areas of key biological importance. Current understanding of the physical processes and details of ecological effects on this region and its wildlife are insufficient to develop the management strategies needed to protect this global “hotspot” of cetacean diversity and abundance. The sensitivity of dolphins in waterways of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh to physical and ecological changes related to freshwater inputs and sea-level rise led to a recommendation by the International Whaling Commission’ Scientific Committee that they be used as a case study for understanding the impacts of climate change on cetaceans (Smith et al. 2008).

At the same time, freshwater cetaceans in Bangladesh are threatened by increasing incidental kills, primarily from entanglement in gillnets but also from long lines and trawl fisheries. Bycatches occurring in these fisheries may also be undermining their sustainability. There is an urgent need to develop and promote less destructive fishing gear and practices and to establish time-area closures, both for protecting biodiversity and for ensuring the sustainability of fisheries vital to the economy and food security of local communities.

The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seek to ensure the protection of freshwater cetaceans in Bangladesh now, while the population sizes of two species at risk are known to be sufficient for long-term persistence if threats can be reduced, while concurrently safeguarding the well-being of local fishermen who depend on the same aquatic resources. These aims have vital conservation and social-economic significance due to the sensitivity of the Sundarbans mangrove forest to the realized and projected impacts of climate change, and the role of its waterways in providing essential ecosystem services to local communities, including serving as a buffer to minimize the effects of extreme climate events. This project will fundamentally connect the welfare of fishermen and cetaceans, and engage local communities in the development of sustainable strategies for managing aquatic resources and adapting to climate related changes through the establishment of a protected area network that specifically addresses aquatic needs within the existing multiple-use Eastern Sundarbans Reserved Forest, and is focused on managing the mangrove forest and terrestrial wildlife.  The project addresses all four interlinked elements of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) Program of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) in that it (1) strengthens an existing national system of protected areas as a contribution to globally recognized goals for species conservation, (2) promotes participation, equity and benefit sharing within the context of protecting threatened species and a vulnerable aquatic ecosystem, (3) establishes a sustainable program of enabling activities including capacity building, policy support, awareness raising, and targeted research, and (4) provides a rigorous mechanism for assessment and monitoring in support of management goals.  The project is also consistent with the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, and National Adaptation Programme of Action (see attachments).

Based on conservation research and educational outreach conducted by WCS, on January 29, 2012 the Government of Bangladesh declared three new Wildlife Sanctuaries for the protection of freshwater dolphins in the Eastern Sundarbans Reserved Forest. These wildlife sanctuaries (Dhangmari, Chandpai, and Dudhmukhi) safeguard 19.4 mi (31.4 km) of channels. However, no management plan is in place and efforts to realize the new legislation into effective conservation tools are pending on financial support. << Read less

Ensure the protection of freshwater cetaceans in Bangladesh while concurrently safeguarding the well-being of local fishermen who depend on these aquatic resources

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The Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica), an obligate freshwater species, is in immediate danger of extinction. The diversity and scale of threats facing these animals indicate the need for more focused conservation attention. The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) occupies both riverine and nearshore marine environments with freshwater input. Populations are low in every area where they have been studied, except in Bangladesh, and their range has significantly declined. Threats from bycatch and habitat degradation are severe and pervasive. Ganges River and Irrawaddy dolphins remain patchily distributed in the Sundarbans in sufficient numbers for early conservation interventions to be effective, and for the mangrove forest to serve as a global safety net for protecting both species.  Their populations in other areas are generally at higher risk due to low numbers and intensive human threats. The recent probable extinction of the Yangtze River dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) has taught us that conservation efforts must begin early and focus on ecologically defined areas where human activities can be more effectively managed.  Freshwater dolphins depend on particular ecological features related to the geomorphic and hydraulic complexity of mangrove waterways. These features concentrate biological productivity, provide refuge from strong downstream and tidal currents and are generally the sites of maximum human activity. The protection of mangroves, especially in the fringe areas of the Sundarbans that are more heavily exploited by human communities compared to forests within the boundaries of the reserved forest, is intrinsically linked to preventing the loss of dolphin habitat and promoting sustainable fisheries.

This project aims to conserve Ganges River and Irrawaddy dolphins through the establishment of a protected area network in waterways of the Sundarbans mangrove forest that is based on sound science, benefits from positive local support, and is sustained by a well-trained, competent local team of government officials, community leaders, and volunteer university students.  Increasing recognition of the impacts of fisheries bycatch (Fahrni-Mansur et al. 2008; Smith et al. 2006), declining freshwater supplies, and sea-level rise (Smith et al. 2009) on freshwater cetaceans make this project a high priority for conserving these iconic species. Additionally, knowledge of the potential for these animals to serve as biological indicators of the ecosystem-level impacts of these threats and inform the development of adaptive human-wildlife management to cope with the impacts of climate change (Smith et al. 2008) suggests an even broader potential for conservation and development benefits. The project supports the goals of the CBD in facilitating conservation and sustainable use through protected areas and by improving their coverage, representativeness and management. The value of protected area networks for conserving freshwater cetaceans was highlighted at the First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas (http://www.icmmpa.org; Mansur et al. 2009). << Read less

The financial sustainability of a protected area network for cetaceans is based in part on the integration of nature tourism activities into conservation plans, which could provide funds and logistical support for management activities (e.g., educational outreach, patrolling and enforcement) and community development initiatives (e.g., training nature guides), and serve as a platform for monitoring cetacean populations and their habitat. The declared protected area network is located within the Eastern Sundarbans Reserved Forest, with each site situated in close proximity to an existing Forest Department Station, thus providing an existing infrastructure for management support. << Read less

A strong emphasis on capacity building will create the competence within partner organizations and institutions required for conducting conservation science and educational outreach activities in support of aquatic resource management. Sustainable development in local communities adjacent to the protected area sites will be promoted by the potential enhancement of fisheries in surrounding waters of the proposed protected area network. This project will provide fundamental insights on the nature and magnitude of ecological effects of global climate change in the Sundarbans. This will in turn serve as a basis for developing adaptive management responses that connect the well-being and welfare of fishermen and freshwater cetaceans to the development of sustainable management strategies for local fisheries. The involvement of women in all aspects of the project, including key roles in conducting research and educational outreach activities, and consideration of their needs in local communities will ensure gender equity.  Continued coordination with other institutions working in the area, such as UNDP, will ensure the full and effective participation of local stakeholders. << Read less

This project strengthens efforts of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Program for creating conditions to reduce poverty, develop sustainable livelihoods, and integrate coastal zone considerations into national planning. The ICZM is a multi-ministerial and multi-sectoral arrangement led by the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) and the Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO). Furthermore, the project is integrated into the vision of the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP, 2008) and the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) to reduce poverty and achieve economic and social well-being within the context of climate related changes to the natural environment. The proposed activities of this project provide an ideal platform for integrating key protected area, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use goals, as established by the CBD of which Bangladesh is an active member, into human development and climate change mitigation of the ICZN, BCCSAP, and NAPA. The project follows on the successful integration by the Bangladesh Forest Department of protected area, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use goals of the CBD PoWPA under the auspices of Nishorgo, a community co-management program for terrestrial protected areas in Lawachara, Rema-Kalenga, Satchari, Sitakund, Chunati and Teknaf. Policies will be developed in close collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) / Department of Environment (DoE) Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project. << Read less

Goal 1.1: To establish and strengthen national and regional systems of protected areas integrated into a global network as a contribution to globally agreed goals
Goal 1.2: To integrate protected areas into broader land- and seascapes and sectors so as to maintain ecological structure and function
Goal 1.4: To substantially improve site-based protected area planning and management
Goal 2.1: To promote equity and benefit-sharing
Goal 2.2: To enhance and secure involvement of indigenous and local communities and relevant stakeholders
Goal 3.2: To build capacity for the planning, establishment and management of protected areas
Goal 3.5: To strengthen communication, education and public awareness
Goal 4.1 - To develop and adopt minimum standards and best practices for national and regional protected area systems
Goal 4.3: To assess and monitor protected area status and trends
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