Adviser for the ministries of environment, forest and climate change, and water resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Wednesday said that the government had finalised the integrated management plan for the Swatch of No-Ground Marine Protected Area in the Bay of Bengal.
The adviser made the announcement in a virtual meeting for finalising the integrated management plan for the area, a press release said.
She said that the plan aimed to safeguard globally threatened marine species, including dolphins, whales, sharks, rays and turtles, and their habitats through marine spatial planning, community engagement and multi-agency enforcement.
She highlighted that the plan when implemented would not only ensure biodiversity protection but also enable sustainable fishing in the bay supporting coastal livelihoods.聽
The plan focuses on strategic zoning, pollution control and active participation of coastal communities as stewards of the marine ecosystem, the release reads.
She said that led by the environment and forest ministry, the initiative underscores a collaborative approach with multiple agencies and coastal communities to balance marine resource utilisation with environmental preservation. The plan would serve as a cornerstone for advancing Bangladesh鈥檚 commitment to marine biodiversity conservation and a thriving blue economy.
The management plan integrates data from comprehensive surveys, stakeholder consultations, and research, detailing current conditions, proposed strategies, and actionable recommendations. It designates critical zones, including Fish Spawning, Marine Wildlife Protection, and Sustainable Fishery areas. A key proposal under the plan is to expand the protected area from 1,738km2 to 6,866km2 to ensure broader biodiversity conservation and enhance the sustainability of marine resources.
