Improving the protection of mangroves, swamp forests and marine areas in Bangladesh

Context

Bangladesh’s varied marine and coastal areas, with their mangroves and swamp forests, safeguard the livelihoods of millions of people, for example through fishing. However, they are at risk from population growth, pollution, overfishing and climate change. Although significant progress has been made, there are still too few conservation measures and environmentally friendly ways of using these ecosystems.

Objective

In selected communities in Bangladesh, marine and coastal areas are better protected, restored and used in an environmentally friendly manner.

Approach

The project is taking the following measures to safeguard ecosystems and livelihoods over the long term:

• It trains the relevant authorities on coastal management. It also promotes inter-agency cooperation and the use of digital technologies for documentation.
• At the same time, the project provides advice and training on viable sources of income in the future, such as environmentally friendly fishing and seaweed farming, with the participation of women and young people in particular.
• The project also raises local communities’ awareness of the importance of the ecosystems and conservation areas. It encourages the population’s participation in decision-making on the management and use of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Last update: March 2025