Role of stakeholders in preserving biodiversity in Bangladesh: A study on tanguar haor

Abstract

Tanguar Haor, the most diversified ecosystem of Bangladesh is important for surviving around 70,000 people. Tanguar Haor has been declared ecologically critical area for 20 years. This study aims to examine the role of relevant stakeholders in conserving the countries’ second RAMSAR site. This paper also attempted to understand the causes of loss of biodiversity of Tanguar Haor as well as its solution. Mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) research has employed for this study applying purposive sampling strategy. Study findings reveal that indiscriminate harvesting of mother fishes, use of agrochemicals, deforestation, hunting migratory birds, increasing trace metal, mixing silt soil with water are the major contributor to loss of biodiversity in Tanguar Haor. With the support of the Swedish Development Corporation (SDC) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the government of Bangladesh has conducted a big budgeted project to preserve biodiversity of Tanguar Haor, however there found lack of coordination among peoples’ representatives, government agencies, and IUCN. Hence, the study findings will hopefully contribute to identify the irregularities in performing the role of different stakeholders that will lead taking further initiatives to preserve biodiversity of Tanguar Haor in Bangladesh.