Bangladesh, Germany ink two deals for Sundarbans management and environment conservation
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has signed two deals with Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to ensure sustainable management of the Sundarbans and the Marine Protected Area (MPA) ‘Swatch of No Ground (SONG).’
MoEFCC secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed and acting country director of the GIZ Martina Burkard inked the agreements on behalf of their respective sides in the Secretariat Bhaban on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion the MoEFCC secretary said that the integrated management of the Sundarbans mangroves and the marine protected area ‘Swatch of No Ground’ project is a collaborative effort between the MoEFCC and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL).
She said the SONG project aims to strengthen marine conservation in Bangladesh by improving collaboration and capacity-building among responsible authorities and stakeholders, engaging fishermen, women, and youth in the coastal communities adjacent to the MPA.
Key objectives include enhancing planning and surveillance capacities, scientific monitoring, strengthened knowledge-based decision-making through digital tools, and heightened awareness and support for marine protection among coastal populations and active participation in marine conservation.
Dr Farhina said that the strengthening regional cooperation and financing for sustainable management of the Sundarbans and restoration of coastal ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh and India (SUNDAR-BAY) project will be implemented from March 2024 to February 2027, focusing on the collaborative efforts between Bangladesh and India for the conservation of the Sundarbans.
The SUNDAR-BAY project aims to improve governmental and non-governmental coordination between the two countries, supporting the conservation of the Sundarbans and the provision of ecosystem services to local communities, especially women and marginalised groups.
The project will enhance institutional capacities, promote joint training programmes, and support local communities through sustainable income-generating activities and environmental education.
Both projects contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15), emphasising biodiversity and the protection of natural resources.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of Bangladesh and Germany to protect vital ecosystems and foster sustainable development in the region.
The collaborative efforts are expected to yield significant environmental, social, and economic benefits, ensuring the preservation of the Sundarbans and the Swatch of No Ground for future generations.
Principal Advisor, SONG GIZ Bangladesh Dr Stefan Alfred Groenewold, Chief Conservator of Forests of Forest Department Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, also signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
Additional Secretary (Development) Md Mosharraf Hossain, Additional Secretary (EPC) Tapan Kumar Biswas and other senior officials of the Ministry and GIZ were also present on the occasion.