The haor region’s inhabitants traditionally synchronized their lives with the water cycle rather than the calendar. Their activities revolved around the arrival, duration, and retreat of water, shaping their farming and fishing practices. This understanding led to a cautious use of land, acknowledging its impermanence. However, contemporary development has shifted this mindset, leading to the neglect of shared stewardship and increased exploitation. This poses a challenge to Bangladesh’s wetlands management approach, necessitating a reevaluation to incorporate principles of vulnerability, impermanence, and ecological limits.
Wetlands cover a significant portion of Bangladesh’s land, serving as vital natural infrastructure supporting the environment, economy, and biodiversity. Despite their crucial role in flood control and biodiversity preservation, wetlands are undervalued in governance processes, resulting in their increasing vulnerability. Urban wetlands, in particular, are rapidly deteriorating due to encroachment and pollution, with significant areas lost over the past decades.
Haors, covering extensive regions in northeastern Bangladesh, are also facing ecological degradation due to climate variability and human activities. Notably, wetlands like Hakaluki Haor and Tanguar Haor are experiencing significant waterbody loss and declining biodiversity. The coastal wetlands are similarly under threat from rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, and climate change impacts, leading to land erosion, flooding, and loss of agricultural productivity.
Bangladesh has established a robust policy framework for wetland conservation, yet enforcement and protection on the ground remain inadequate. Fragmented responsibilities across various ministries hinder effective management, while resource constraints and weak enforcement mechanisms contribute to continued degradation. To ensure the long-term protection of wetlands, a shift towards clear mandates, measurable indicators, and consistent funding is essential. Emphasizing preventive enforcement, community co-management, and tailored management approaches for different wetland types are crucial steps in safeguarding these critical ecosystems.
Moving forward, sustained efforts to transition from recognition to effective protection through accountable governance practices are imperative to secure the future of Bangladesh’s wetlands. Only by implementing comprehensive, long-term strategies can the country ensure the preservation of its invaluable wetland ecosystems.
