Draft CMP HH - the Department of Environment

Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project BGD/99/G31 

Hakaluki Haor Draft Conservation Management Plan 

Hakaluki Haor 

Conservation Management Plan 

- DRAFT FOR COMMENT- 

(August/ September 2005) 

Prepared by: 

Sulma Warne 

UNOPS Consultant 

GEF/UNDP- BGD/99/G31-CWBMP 

Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 i

ACRONYMS 



BADC Bangladesh Agricultural Development Cooperation 

BARC Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council 

BARI Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute 

BECA Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 

BLRI Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute 

BRRI Bangladesh Rice Research Institute 

BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board 

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity 

CBO Community Based Organisation 

CEGIS Centre for Environment, Geography, and Information Systems 

CNRS Centre for Natural Resources Studies 

CWBMP Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project 

DAE Department of Agriculture Extension 

DOE Department of Environment 

DOF Department of Forests 

ECA Ecological Critical Area 

EIA Environment Impact Assessment 

GEF Global Environment Facility 

GEF Global Environment Facility 

GIS Global Information System 

HH Hakaluki Haor 

HYV High Yield Variety 

ICAD Integrated Conservation and Development 

IUCN The World Conservation Union 

LGED Local Government Engineering Department 

MOEF Ministry of Environment and Forests 

NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 

NCS National Conservation Strategy 

NEMAP National Environment Management Action Plan 

NGO Non Government Organisation 

NTFP Non-Timber Forest Product 

SEMP Sustainable Environment Management Programme 

SRDI Soil Research and Development Institute 

UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development 

UNDP United Nations Development Programme 

VGF Vulnerable Group Feeding 

Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 



The preparation of this plan would not have been possible without the support of… 

Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Acronyms.............................................................................................................................................ii 

Acknowledgments...............................................................................................................................iii 

Table of Contents................................................................................................................................iv 

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................1 

2. Management Framework .............................................................................................................2 

2.1 Political, Legal, and Institutional Context .................................................................................2 

2.1.1 Policy Context.....................................................................................................................2 

2.1.2 Legal Context......................................................................................................................2 

2.1.3 Institutional Context............................................................................................................3 

3. IUCN PA Management Category ................................................................................................4 

4. Overview of Hakaluki Haor.........................................................................................................5 

4.1 Background ................................................................................................................................5 

4.2 Global Significance and Threatened Species.............................................................................7 

4.3 Threats and Pressures.................................................................................................................7 

4.4 Key Stakeholders .......................................................................................................................8 

5. Collaboration and Participation Principles ..................................................................................9 

6. Vision and Objectives and Timeframe.........................................................................................9 

6.1 Vision.........................................................................................................................................9 

6.2 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................9 

6.3 Tentative Time Frame..............................................................................................................10 

7. Management Activities ..............................................................................................................11 

7.1 Objective 1 - Species Conservation .........................................................................................11 

7.1.1 Birds..................................................................................................................................11 

7.1.2 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................12 

7.1.3 Fish and Fishing................................................................................................................13 

7.1.4 Plants.................................................................................................................................15 

7.1.5 Ecological Monitoring Programme...................................................................................17 

7.1.6 Alien Invasive and Exotic Species....................................................................................18 

7.2 Objective 2 - Ecosystem Restoration.......................................................................................19 

7.2.1 Ramsar Nomination ..........................................................................................................19 

7.2.2 Demonstration Pilot Sites .................................................................................................20 

7.2.3 Wildlife Sanctuaries..........................................................................................................21 

7.2.4 Swamp Forest Plantations.................................................................................................22 

7.2.5 Rivers, Canals, Beels and Water.......................................................................................23 

7.2.6 Beel Leasing......................................................................................................................24 

7.2.7 Land Ownership................................................................................................................25 

7.2.8 Conflict of Interest Issues .................................................................................................26 

7.2.9 ECA Mapping and Boundary Identification .....................................................................26 

7.2.10 Agriculture ......................................................................................................................28 

Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 iv



7.2.11 Horticulture .....................................................................................................................30 

7.2.12 Irrigation..........................................................................................................................31 

7.2.13 Medicinal Plants..............................................................................................................32 

7.2.14 Soils.................................................................................................................................34 

7.2.15 Agro-Chemicals and IPM ...............................................................................................34 

7.2.16 Impact Analysis...............................................................................................................35 

7.3 Objective 3 - Community Involvement & Empowerment.......................................................36 

7.3.1 Stakeholder Involvement ..................................................................................................36 

7.3.2 Education and Awareness Raising....................................................................................38 

7.3.3 Tourism .............................................................................................................................39 

7.3.4 Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods .................................................................................41 

7.4 Objective 4 - Legal, Policy and Institutional Issues.................................................................42 

7.4.1 Legal and Policy Issues.....................................................................................................42 

7.4.2 Capacity Building .............................................................................................................42 

7.4.3 Information Management..................................................................................................43 

7.4.4 Replication ........................................................................................................................44 

7.4.5 Institutional Set-up............................................................................................................45 

7.4.6 Coordination Mechanisms ................................................................................................46 

7.4.7 Sustainable Funding Mechanisms.....................................................................................47 

7.4.8 Economic Evaluation ........................................................................................................48 

7.4.9 Monitoring and Evaluation ...............................................................................................49 

8. References..................................................................................................................................50 

Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 v

1. INTRODUCTION 



Hakaluki Haor internationally recognised as a site for wintering populations for globally significant 

waterfowl, and regarded as one of the country’s most important fisheries and largest inland 

freshwater wetland, is now an ecosystem considered to have reached a state of critical degradation. 

In recognition of the urgent need to protect Hakaluki Haor, the Government of Bangladesh in 1999, 

under the provisions of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (BECA), declared this site 

as an “Ecologically Critical Area” (ECA). 

In 2002, with technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme 

(UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Department of Environment (DoE) 

initiated the “Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management at Cox’s Bazar and Hakaluki Haor” 

Project (CWBMP). The specific objective for Hakaluki Haor is “to ensure the conservation and 

sustainable use of globally significant wetland biodiversity at Hakaluki Haor through its 

management as an ECA”. This DRAFT Conservation Management Plan represents one of the 

project’s key outputs for Hakaluki Haor. Defined in the CWBMP project document are a number of 

important elements relating to the management of Hakaluki Haor all of which have been 

incorporated into this draft plan. 

It is important to note that as the availability of baseline data is still limited and as research efforts 

are still on-going, areas of this management plan are not as well covered or articulated as they could 

be. In this regard, this management plan is to be regarded as working document in progress that will 

be updated as new information becomes available. The decision to move forward with the 

development of this plan despite limited information was based on the urgent need to have a 

coherent framework to begin activities aimed at the sound and sustainable management of Hakaluki 

Haor as an ECA. 

Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 1



2. MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 

2.1 Political, Legal, and Institutional Context 

The management of Hakaluki Haor is framed within the context of Bangladesh’s broader 

environmental legal, policy, and institutional framework. The major elements of this framework are 

summarised as follows: 

2.1.1 Policy Context 

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1991): Bangladesh has signed and ratified the 

Biodiversity Convention. How does the CBD relate to Hakaluki Haor 

• Ramsar Convention (1992): How does this Ramsar Convention relate to Hakaluki Haor 

• UNCED Country Report (1991): The report emphasises the “enormous importance” of the 

country’s wetland areas, “…both as havens of biodiversity and as major sources of the nation’s 

livelihood” (MOEF 1991). The report calls for the development and implementation of pilot 

wetland protection projects with effective community participation, and it names Hakaluki 

Haor as one of six priority sites for such projects (Ibid.). 

• National Conservation Strategy (NCS, 1991- Now Revised): The NCS provides specific 

strategies for sustainable development. 

• Environment Policy, 1992: The Environment Policy adopted in 1992 gives due importance to 

wetlands and related issues. The Policy includes, inter alia, the following aspects: 

� Rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, haors, beels, baors, and all other water bodies and resources 

should be kept free from pollution; 

� Wetlands should be conserved for the protection of migratory birds; 

� Activities which diminish the wetlands/ natural habitats of fish should be prevented and 

rehabilitative measures encouraged; 

� Existing projects on water resources development, flood control and irrigation should be 

examined to determine their adverse impact on fisheries, and; 

� Environmental impact assessment (EIA) should be conducted before undertaking new 

projects for water resources development and management; 

• National Environment Management Action Plan (NEMAP, 1995): The NEMAP identifies 

priority environmental issues that require immediate attention including wetland management 

and advocates an integrated and inter-sectoral approach. 

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan: Add information here – how does the 

NBSAP relate to the management of Hakaluki Haor 

2.1.2 Legal Context 

The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (BECA) defines the environmental regulatory 

regime aimed at supporting the country’s drive towards the sound and sustainable management of 

the environment and its natural resources base. Among the measures instituted by this law is a 

provision for the Declaration of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs). In April 1999, the authority 

granted under BECA was utilized for the first time, as the Director General of the Department of 

Environment (DOE) officially declared Hakaluki Haor and five other sites as ECAs. 

Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation Act (Revised) – Add relevant information here 




2.1.3 Institutional Context 

The management of ECAs in Bangladesh falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment 

and Forests (MOEF). MOEF combines two departments, the Forestry Department (DOF) and the 

Department of Environment (DOE). Whilst the management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA has been 

mandated to DOE, technical expertise is drawn from the DOF who have overall responsibility for 

the establishment and management of protected areas throughout the country. In this regard, it is 

expected that both agencies will work in close collaboration to ensure that favourable outcomes are 

achieved in managing Hakaluki Haor as an ECA. Other Government Departments where important 

technical expertise will be drawn include: 

• The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock: responsibility for fishery resources management as 

well as, to some extent, management of wetlands; 

� Department of Fisheries 

� Fisheries Research Institute 

� Department of Livestock 

� Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) 

• The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperation: responsibilities 

regarding development plans and policies and their implementation at local level; 

• Ministry of Social Welfare 

� Department of Social Welfare 

• Ministry of Agriculture 

� Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) 

� Bangladesh Agricultural Development Cooperation (BADC) 

� Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) 

� Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) 

� Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) 

� Soil Research and Development Institute (SRDI) 

• Ministry of Water Resources 

� The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB): responsible for water management 

and water control infrastructure; 

� Centre for Environment, Geography, and Information Systems (CEGIS) 

• Ministry of Land: responsible for land administration and lands record and survey 

• The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) 

• Bangladesh National Herbarium 

• Zoology Departments of Dhaka, Chittagong and Jahangirnagar University 

Add other relevant agencies as required 




3. IUCN PA MANAGEMENT CATEGORY 

Based on the definitions of each of IUCN’s PA Management Categories, Hakaluki Haor is probably 

best suited to Category V. The 1994 IUCN Guidelines for Protected Area Management Categories, 

defines Category V as an: 

“Area of land, with coast and seas as appropriate, where the interaction of people and nature over 

time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and/ or 

cultural value, and often with high biological diversity. Safeguarding the integrity of this traditional 

interaction is vital to the protection, maintenance and evolution of such an area” (IUCN 2002) 

The management of Hakaluki Haor is particularly aligned with this definition especially in relation 

to the emphasis on the interaction between people and nature and the acknowledgement that the 

area in question is a lived-in and working landscape. Other key features of IUCN Category V 

Protected Areas that approximate the approaches that are going to be necessary to adopt in order to 

effectively manage Hakaluki Haor as an ECA include placing importance on: 

• Maintaining ecological and biological diversity 

• The views of communities and their traditions 

• The adoption of partnership approaches between all relevant stakeholders groups 

• Management outcomes which brings social, economic and cultural benefits to local 

communities 

• The development of management models which are both sustainable and replicable 

• Management arrangements that are determined by local circumstances and needs 

• The adoption of effective collaborative land-use planning strategies 

Although Hakaluki Haor is not necessarily going to be managed specifically as an IUCN Category 

V Protected Area, it may be useful for DOE to draw upon the experience and lessons learned in 

managing Category V Protected Areas. This is especially true given that the management objectives 

of a site such as Hakaluki Haor and a Category V Protected Area are likely to be very similar. 




4. OVERVIEW OF HAKALUKI HAOR 

4.1 Background 

Hakaluki Haor once a pristine freshwater ecosystem teeming with a diverse array of wildlife and 

aquatic resources and covered with unique swamp forests (include list of species once found at 

Hakaluki Haor as an appendix), has in recent times fast become a degraded landscape now facing 

an increasing range of pressures and threats. This process of rapid degradation is also having 

devastating consequences on the many communities living in, around, and downstream of Hakaluki 

Haor who have for generations depended upon the vital functions, services, and benefits this 

wetland has provided. In recognition of these threats and the urgent need to protect the unique 

ecology and biodiversity of Hakaluki Haor, the Government of Bangladesh, under the provisions of 

the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (BECA), in 1999 declared this site as an 

“Ecologically Critical Area” (ECA). 

Located in the north-east of Bangladesh latitudinally between 24 o 35’N and 24 o 45’N and 

Longitudinally between 92 o 00E and 92 o 08E, Hakaluki Haor is a shallow basin nested between the 

Patharia and Madhab hills in the East and the Bhatera hills to the West. Administratively, Hakaluki 

Haor falls under the jurisdiction of two districts (Moulvibazar and Sylhet), five Upazilas (Kulaura, 

Barlekha, Fenchugonj, Paschim Juri, and Golapgonj), and eleven Unions (Bhatera, Baramchal, 

Bhakshimail, Jaifarnagar, Barni, Talimpur, Sujanagar, Paschim Juri, Gilachhara, Uttar Bade Pasha, 

and Sarifganj). (Include administrative map of ECA) 

Hakaluki Haor is made up of more than 238 small, medium and large interconnecting beels some of 

which are perennial and others seasonal (CNRS report). During the dry season the area covered by 

these beels is approximately 4,400 ha but with the onset of the rains in the summer the entire area 

floods to about four and half times this size (approximately 18,000 ha) and remains underwater for 

up to five months. During this period, all the beels are united as one large lake, or haor, making 

Hakaluki Haor the largest freshwater wetland in Bangladesh. Hakaluki Haor is fed mainly by the 

Juri/ Kantinala, Sonai/ Bordol, Damai, Fanai, and Kuiachara Rivers, and drains through a single 

outlet, the Kushiara River. The Bordol/ Sonai and Juri/ Kantinalla Rivers originate in India. 

As the country’s largest inland freshwater wetland, Hakaluki Haor is a critical habitat and breeding 

ground for fish and other aquatic species and is considered as one of only four major “mother 

fisheries” in Bangladesh. More than 100 fish species have been recorded in the Haor, approximately 

one third of which are listed as endangered. Economically important fish include Rui (Labeo 

rohita), Gonia (L. gonius), Kalibush (L. calbasu), Katla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirhinus mrigala). 

There are six species of large cat fishes—Boal (Wallago attu), Pangus (Pangasius pangasius ), Air 

(Aorichthys aor), Guizza air Aorichthys seenghala ), Bagha air (Bagarius bagarius) and Rita (Rita 

rita). There are many small catfishes including Magur (Clarias batrachus), Singhi (Heteropneutes 

fossilis), Kani Pabda (Ompok binoculatus), Madhu Pabda (Oampok pabda), Tengra (Mystus tengra 

and M. vittatus), Koi (Anabus testudineus) and a number of other fishes, all of which contribute to 

the important fish diversity of the Haor. The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) 

and small prawns are also distributed widely in the small rivers and canals. 

Hakaluki Haor is also home to globally significant waterfowl especially large numbers of migratory 

ducks species (particularly Anatidae spp) that winter in the ECA. In the 1960s, the wintering 

population of ducks was estimated at between 40,000 and 60,000 but numbers have no declined 

considerably. Duck populations typically dominated by Anas acuta and Dendrocygna javanica, 

with smaller numbers of D. biclolor, Nettapus coromandelianus, Anas strepera, A. crecca, A. 




poecilorhyncha, A. querquedula, A. clypeata, Aythya ferina, A. nyroca and A. fuligula. Other 

common species include Tachybaptus ruficollis, Phalacrocorax niger, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta 

garzetta, E. intermedia, E. alba, Gallicrex cincrea, Porphyrio porphyrio, Fulica atra, 

Hydrophasianus chirurgus, Metopidius indicus, Gelochelidon nilotica and Chlidonias hybrida. 

Podiceps cristatus and Phalacrocorax carbo occur in small numbers, and Leptoptilos javanicus and 

Anser anser have been recorded as occasional winter visitors. The Grey-headed Fish-Eagle 

Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus and Pallas’s Fishing eagle Haliaeetus leucorhyphus also occur at the 

wetland. 

Mammals and reptiles known to occur in the area include Lutra lutra, L. perspicillata, Canis 

aureus, Vulpes bengalensis, Herpestes spp, the cobra Naja naja and a variety of water snakes, 

freshwater turtles and tortoises. Other important wildlife at Hakaluki Haor includes a variety of 

frogs and toads, monkeys, the Irrawady Squirrel, and the Gangetic Dolphin which inhabits the 

Kushiara River. 

Wetland vegetation in Bangladesh is represented by a total of 158 species. The Hakaluki Haor 

system supports at least 73 of these species, or nearly half of the national total. The flora at 

Hakaluki Haor is typified by a combination of ecologically important remnant swamp forest (trees, 

shrubs, grasses and aquatic plants) and reedlands. Swamp forests consist of Barringtonia 

acutangula, Pongamia pinnata, Crataeva nurvala, Trewia nudifllora and Salix tetrasperma A 

fully-developed stand exhibits a closed canopy with mature trees standing ten to twelve meters tall. 

Associated with these at the edges of the water bodies were thick spiny bushes of wild rose Rosa 

clinophylla, and scrub Lippia javanica, Ficus heterophylla and Phyllanthus disticha although this 

form of vegetation is now largely absent. 

Reed swamp is adapted to lands intermediate in height between the Haor basin and homestead lands 

(kanda), typically on ridges surrounding the Haor. These areas are fairly deeply flooded during the 

rainy season and dry out during the dry season. 

The open water aquatic vegetation consists of submerged, free floating, rooted floating and a 

number of emergent plants. 

The ECA also supports a wide variety of agricultural and horticultural crops and fast growing 

introduced timber species. A significant number of medicinal plant species are also found in the 

Haor. 

Some 190,000 people live in the area surrounding Hakaluki Haor. As the Haor floods annually, 

habitations are clustered along its slightly raised fringes. Fisheries and agriculture are the two main 

livelihoods for local people who live in and around the ECA. Other livelihood practices supported 

by Hakaluki Haor include cattle grazing, NTFP collection, duck rearing, and sand mining. Land 

ownership is not equally distributed among the population of the ECA. Most of it is owned by a 

small number of rich farming families. Land not owned privately belongs to the government and is 

located in the more central areas of the ECA that are prone to flooding. 

More generally, the Haor serves as a transport pathway particularly while it is flooded, provides 

water for drinking and washing, provides micro-climate regulation, and holds significant potential 

for generating income as a tourist attraction. 




4.2 Global Significance and Threatened Species 

The freshwater swamp forest (Barringtonia acutangula, Pongamia pinnata, and Crataeva nurvala) 

is the native vegetation of much of the region and indeed of much of Bangladesh. It has disappeared 

from the country except for the small patches remaining in the Northeast Region of which Hakaluki 

is a part. The swamp forests have now been seriously degraded with only a few patches surviving. 

The scrub is restricted near the slopes at the village highlands. 

The list of plants recorded from Hakaluki Haor includes threatened aquatic plants. The most 

important species that are locally and regionally threatened are Rosa clinophylla (guji kanta), Oryza 

rufipogon and Euryale ferox which have been threatened by over-harvesting for fuel-wood. Rosa 

clinophylla is an important wild relative of cultivated roses. , while Oryza rufifogon is a wild 

relative of the deepwater rice variety and is widely sought by plant breeders for developing diseaseresistant 

rice varieties and flood-tolerant roses. 

The wetland supports a number of ‘life-support plants’ that are used by local people when crop 

foods are scarce. One example includes Asparagus racemosus which is important for its medicinal 

values; the plant grows in winter in bushy areas around the beels, but has now become scarce as a 

result of over-exploitation. Insert as appendix updated table which lists the life support plants of 

Hakaluki Haor and their uses from project document. 

The Hakaluki Haor ecosystem supports one reptile, 11 birds, and two mammal species listed as 

vulnerable and endangered categories in the IUCN red data book. It also supports six reptiles, four 

birds and two mammals listed under CITES schedule I and one amphibian, four reptiles, three birds 

and four mammals shown under CITES schedule II. Insert updated table of threatened wildlife 

species. 

While Hakaluki Haor was once known as a “fishmine”, its fish stocks are now increasingly 

threatened. Nandina (Labeo nandina), Angrot (Labeo angra), Pangus (Pangasius pangasius), 

Mahashol (Tor tor) and Sarputi (Puntius sarana) are all endemic to the region and nearly extinct, 

and Catla (Catla catla) and Mrigel (Cirhinus mrigala) are threatened (NERP, 1994 a,b,c). 

4.3 Threats and Pressures 

The Hakaluki Haor ecosystem is subject to a variety of threats and pressures. These are summarised 

as follows: 

• Loss of reedland and swamp forest areas 

due to conversion for agriculture and the 

removal trees for building and firewood 

• Reduction in surface area and depth of 

mother fisheries and other aquatic 

habitats (beels) due to sedimentation, 

drainage and river diversion for 

irrigation. Sedimentation is largely a 

result of logging in India in the 

watersheds of the rivers that feed 

Hakaluki Haor 

• Degradation of reedland and grassland 

habitats due to overgrazing within the 

Haor 

• Degradation of aquatic habitat due to 

agro-chemical (herbicides and pesticides) 

pollution from tea estates 

• Loss of reproductive capacity of fishery 

due to inappropriate and unsustainable 

fishing practices including the use of 

illegal nets and poison 

• Unsustainable levels of fuelwood 

collection 


• Over-harvesting of amphibians, 

including turtles and frogs 



• Reduced bird populations due to hunting. 

• Loss of genetic diversity due to 

increasingly intensive tillage of highyield 

varieties (HYV) of rice 

• Bird hunting 

• Private sector businesses such as the 

operations of brick kilns and saw mills 

Pressure on the Hakaluki Haor ecosystem is further exacerbated by factors such as: 

• No legally instituted protection measures 

for ecologically critical areas 

• No effective management authority at 

field-level 

• Limited participation by local 

communities in resource use decisionmaking 

• Inadequate information on status and 

functioning of critical ecosystems 

• No integrated management planning for 

ecologically critical areas 

• Limited opportunities for alternative 

sustainable livelihoods 

• Lack of alternative sources of fuelwood 

and fodder 

• Limited public awareness of 

environmental issues 

• Lack of technical knowledge and capacity 

• Poor enforcement of fisheries and wildlife 

protection acts 

Include other threats and pressures as identified through the PAPD/ Community Mobilisation 

process. 

4.4 Key Stakeholders 

There are a wide number of groups who are in some way either directly or indirectly dependent 

upon the services and benefits provided by Hakaluki Haor. It is recognised that the involvement of 

these groups in implementing this Plan will be a key feature of its success. The most important and 

relevant of these stakeholder groups have been identified as follows: 

• Farmers 

• Fishermen 

• Fishing lease holders 

• Boat operators 

• Sand miners 

• Grass and aquatic vegetation collectors 

• Fishing gear traders 

• Cattle grazers 

• Duck rearers 

• Government Agencies 

• Union Chairmen 

• Schools 

• Private Business 

Include other stakeholder groups as identified through the PAPD/ Community Mobilisation process. 




5. COLLABORATION AND PARTICIPATION PRINCIPLES 

The management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA is underpinned by the following principles: 

• A commitment to developing collaborative approaches with local communities and to ensure 

that the management of Hakaluki Haor is driven by local level interests and needs. 

• A commitment to using participatory processes at all stages of the development and 

implementation of the management plan; 

• A commitment to working in partnership with similar programmes and projects to promote 

synergies in the implementation of activities and to avoid overlap and duplication of effort. 

• A commitment to capacity building aimed at ensuring that government agencies, community 

groups and other stakeholders have the technical skills and resources necessary to manage 

natural resources on a sustainable basis. 

• A commitment to integrated conservation and development (ICAD) approaches, which 

explicitly link natural resource management and conservation with rural livelihoods and 

community needs; and 

• A commitment to establishing and building the Kulaura project office as the central government 

coordinating agency responsible for the effective and sustainable management of Hakaluki Haor 

and capable of responding to on-going environmental and developmental challenges. 

6. VISION AND OBJECTIVES AND TIMEFRAME 

6.1 Vision 

The vision for Hakaluki Haor should articulate an ideal future scenario to which all stakeholders 

groups aspire to. In this regard, the vision should be developed as a collaborative process involving 

as many user groups as possible. This vision may not necessarily be reached within the time frame 

of the management plan. 

Develop vision in collaboration/ consultation with relevant stakeholder groups. 

6.2 Objectives 

The objectives should articulate outcomes that are achievable within the life of the management 

plan and that contribute towards meeting the vision. As with the vision, the objective should be 

developed as a collaborative process involving all relevant stakeholder groups. 

Suggested objective themes: 

Objective 1 - Species Conservation 

Objective 2 - Ecosystem Restoration 

Objective 3 - Community Involvement & Empowerment 

Objective 4 - Legal, Policy and Institutional Issues 

Develop objectives in collaboration/ consultation with relevant stakeholder groups. 




6.3 Tentative Time Frame 

The implementation of activities in this management will cover a period of 10 years divided into 

four key phases. Phase I (a) represents activities that are urgent in nature and which should be 

initiated as soon as possible. Phase I (b) represent activities that require immediate attention and 

which should be commenced within the first three years of approving the CMP. Phase II represents 

important activities that do not require immediate attention and can therefore be initiated once 

Phase I (a) and (b) are well underway. Phase III represents activities that are much less urgent and 

which can be initiated in the latter half of CMP implementation. The four phases are summarised as 

follows: 

Phase I (a): Activities implemented within year one of the Plan 

Phase I (b): Activities implemented between years 1-3 

Phase II: Activities implemented between years 3-5 

Phase III: Activities to be implemented between years 5-10 

Re-define timing of CMP as required in collaboration/ consultation with relevant stakeholder 

groups. 




7. MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES 

7.1 Objective 1 - Species Conservation 

7.1.1 Birds 

Hakaluki Haor is a globally significant site for wintering populations of ducks, and is home to a 

large number of resident and migratory waterfowl, as well as many varieties of other bird species. 

In terms of its birds alone, Hakaluki Haor was deemed to fulfil the following three Ramsar criteria: 

• “It regularly supports 20,000 waterfowl.” (Criterion 3.a) 

• “It regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl, 

indicative of wetland values, productivity or diversity (Great Cormorant, Tufted Duck)” 

(Criterion 3.b) 

• It regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or sub-species (i.e. 

Baer’s Pochard). 

Overall, it is estimated that there are well over seventy different bird species found in the ECA. See 

appendix XX for list of birds currently known to inhabit and visit Hakaluki Haor (include latest 

table of Hakaluki Haor bird species as appendix). 

Overall bird numbers are declining at Hakaluki Haor and a significant number are now vulnerable, 

threatened, and even critically endangered such as the Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) and 

Pallas Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus). This general decline is largely a result of habitat 

degradation, but also because of on-going illegal hunting activities including the use of guns, nets, 

and poison. Caught birds are either eaten or sold in local markets as a source of additional income 

usually for poorer families. 

Management Actions 

• Undertake, in collaboration with local community groups, a comprehensive bird survey of the 

ECA 

• Estimate population numbers and habitat type for each species recorded 

• Develop understanding of breeding and feeding behaviour for each species 

• Identify vulnerable, endangered, and threatened species and prepare species recovery plans for 

those at most risk 

• Implement the species recovery plans in close collaboration with local community groups and 

relevant government authorities 

• Identify critical bird habitats and work with local community groups and relevant government 

agencies to ensure that these sites come under appropriate protection as sanctuaries 

• Prepare an annotated list of all the key habitats used by birds 

• Identify priority sites for the establishment of bird sanctuaries 

• Identify the key threats to bird populations in the Haor and develop recommendations aimed at 

mitigating in the short-term the most serious of these threats 

• Initiate activities aimed at reducing threats and pressures to bird populations 

• Update inventory/ database of birds at Hakaluki Haor 




• Organise education and awareness raising activities among the local community which promote 

an understanding of the need for bird conservation in Hakaluki Haor 

• Help raise awareness more widely around the nation, as well as internationally about the global 

significance of Hakaluki Haor for migratory birds 

• Build the capacity of local community groups to undertake on-going monitoring of bird 

populations at Hakaluki Haor 

• Ensure that all bird surveys are part of an integrated ecological monitoring programme for 

Hakaluki Haor 

• Review the legal and policy framework which regulates the protection of birds and propose 

amendments which more effectively support their conservation 

• Begin identifying ways in which the bird populations at Hakaluki Haor can be used as a tourist 

attraction for raising revenue to support conservation efforts, as well provide additional sources 

of income for local communities 

Primary Outcome/ Output 

• Birds are protected, numbers are increasing, and threatened species are recovered 

Constraints 

• Enforcement capacity of government is weak 

• There is likely to be limited human and financial capacity to implement bird species recovery 

plans 

7.1.2 Wildlife 

The wildlife of Hakaluki Haor was once represented by a diverse array animal life but rapid habitat 

degradation including deforestation, siltation, agricultural encroachment, human habitation and 

settlement, and over-harvesting of wildlife resources has left the ECA with many disappearing and 

declining populations and more worryingly the complete loss in the area of some species altogether. 

Although insect life remains relatively abundant, many small mammals, primates, reptiles, and 

amphibian species are becoming more and more difficult to observe in the ECA; a fact supported by 

many local community members. This rapid drop in numbers has resulted in the listing of over 25 

species as vulnerable, endangered, or critically threatened (refer to Table XX list of threatened 

species above). In some cases, the problem is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge whereby local 

villagers will, for example, indiscriminately kill a snake fearing that it might be poisonous whereas, 

in fact, many species found in the ECA are relatively harmless. 

To prevent the loss and further decline of wildlife species in the ECA, the initiation of urgent 

conservation activities are now a necessity. 


• Undertake, in collaboration with local community groups, a comprehensive survey of wildlife in 

the ECA 

• Estimate population numbers and habitat type for each species recorded 

• Develop understanding of breeding and feeding behaviour for each species 

• Identify vulnerable, endangered, and critically threatened species and prepare species recovery 

plans for those at most risk 






• Identify critical wildlife habitats and work with local community groups and relevant 

government agencies to ensure that these sites come under appropriate protection as sanctuaries 

• Identify the key threats to wildlife in the Haor and develop recommendations aimed at 

mitigating in the short-term the most serious of these threats 

• Update inventory/ database of wildlife species at Hakaluki Haor 

• Organise education and awareness raising activities which promote an understanding of the need 

for wildlife conservation in Hakaluki Haor 

• Build the capacity of local community groups to undertake on-going monitoring of wildlife 

populations at Hakaluki Haor 

• Ensure that all wildlife surveys are part of an integrated ecological monitoring programme for 

Hakaluki Haor 

• Review the legal and policy framework which regulates the protection of wildlife and propose 

amendments which more effectively support their conservation 


• Wildlife is protected, numbers are increasing, and threatened species are recovered 

Constraints 

• Community groups may not be interested to become involved in wildlife monitoring activities 

• Slow initiation of wildlife conservation activities may result in the loss of more species 

• Disagreements between community groups and government agencies may arise of the 

nomination of sites as wildlife sanctuaries 

7.1.3 Fish and Fishing 

The Hakaluki Haor wetland ecosystem is an important habitat for a large variety of freshwater fish. 

Most recent data suggests that there are a total of 107 different species fish that inhabit the complex 

of Haor aquatic habitats including beels, canals, rivers, and floodplains. For fish management 

purposes the most important rivers have been identified as the Kushiara, Bardol, Juri, and Fanai as 

they are responsible for feeding the floodplains outside of the ECA which are important breeding 

grounds for fish in the summer months of rain. During the winter, as the water level begins to drop, 

the fish accompanied by their young return to the river and beel systems of the Haor. In 

Bangladesh, fish are classified into two major groups. The first is referred to as “White Fish” and is 

characterised by a life cycle spent predominantly in rivers. The other group is called “Black Fish” 

and is distinguished by a life cycle spent predominantly in beels. Juri and Bardal Rivers are the 

main migratory pathways for White Fish in and out of the ECA. Fish migration within the ECA is 

predominantly via the Damai, Kuiachara, and Kantinalla Rivers. Fish species that spend a 

significant of their time in a river system take shelter in the areas of the river that are the deepest. 

These sites of refuge are referred to as “deep scour holes” or known locally as “Coombs”. So far, 

the most Coombs have been identified in the Kushiara and Bardol Rivers. The other rivers of the 

ECA have yet to be adequately surveyed. 

Fish numbers in Hakaluki Haor are dropping as a result of a combination of unregulated and 

unsustainable fishing practices. According to IUCN, 16 species are endangered, 12 are vulnerable, 

and 4 are critically endangered. Some of the more destructive elements include the use of 




undersized nets, beel dewatering, use of poison, brush pile fishing, spear fishing of parent fish, and 

habitat degradation. 

Fishing in the Hakaluki Haor ECA is differentiated between a “free-for-all” approach during the 

summer months when the Haor is flooded, and a system of leasing beels in three year cycles that 

permits fishing in the winter season to only those who have licenses. Licenses are issued to the 

highest bidder. There are two major types of beel leasing arrangements including those where 

fishing is permitted every year and others where fishing is allowed only every three years. This 

second arrangement is to provide time for fish stocks to regenerate and is a conservation measure to 

prevent overfishing and the loss of important commercial species. All beels that are not leased are 

privately owned. The fishing of these beels is therefore not regulated in any way. 


• Survey the rivers, canals, beels, and floodplains within and around the Hakaluki Haor ECA to 

obtain up-to-date information on: 

� The number of different fish species 

� Population sizes for each species 

� The number of species that are endangered and to what level 

• Identify and quantify the impacts of destructive and unsustainable fishing practices 

• Develop and implement recommendations to help mitigate destructive and unsustainable fishing 

practices 

• Survey, identify, and assess in collaboration with local community groups, suitable river 

“Coombs” and beels for the establishment of fish sanctuaries 

• Identify and formulate suitable arrangements/ frameworks for the effective management of 

“coomb” and beel sanctuaries which involve collaboration between local fishermen, relevant 

government agencies, and the Hakaluki Haor ECA management authority 

• In collaboration with relevant government authorities, review and revise local beel leasing 

systems to more effectively support biodiversity conservation 

• Set-up, in collaboration with local community groups and relevant government agencies a 

system and Haor-wide network for the effective monitoring of fish catches 

• Discuss and identify sustainable funding mechanisms such as fishing taxes which can help 

generate revenue to support fish conservation and management activities 


for fish conservation in Hakaluki Haor 

• Identify, in collaboration with local community groups, suitable alternative income generating 

activities to help reduce pressure on the fish resources of Hakaluki Haor 

• Explore the possibility of introducing a 15 day fishing restriction during the breeding season in 

association with the provision of Vulnerable Group Feeding card (VGF) to the most poor and 

vulnerable who are dependent upon fishing for their livelihood and who would adversely 

affected by such a restriction 

• Identify strategies and mechanisms to eradicate unsustainable and destructive fishing practices 

• Review the legal and policy framework which regulates fishing and propose amendments which 

more effectively support the conservation and wise use of fishery resources 

• Remove or re-excavate barriers made in the canals constructed within the ECA for irrigation and 

fishing purposes in the dry season 




• Survey, identify and assess impact on biodiversity of areas of high siltation and consider 

suitability of dredging such areas 

• Assess feasibility of reconnecting Juri and Kantinalla through an existing natural canal to help 

reduce siltation 


• Fish are protected, numbers are increasing, and threatened species are recovered 

• Fishing in the ECA is appropriately regulated and sustainably managed 

Constraints 

• On-going enforcement of illegal fishing practices is very difficult 

• Accurate monitoring of fish catch may not be possible 

• Beel leasing is highly controversial and identifying suitable arrangements that support fish 

conservation and which is agreeable to all relevant stakeholders may not be an easy process 

7.1.4 Plants 

Hakaluki Haor was once a landscape dominated by an assemblage of plant species uniquely adapted 

to the aquatic conditions of Haor. Today, this vegetation largely represented by swamp forest trees 

(Barringtonia aucutangulata, Pongamia pinneta, Lagerstromia speciosa, and Trewia nodifolia), 

reeds (Phragmatis karka, Arundo and Sacccharm), shrubs (Bontulshi and Bonalot add scientific 

names) and grasses (Phragmatis and Hygrorhiza) is still present but in a highly degraded and 

fragmented form. Aquatic plants (submerged, floating and amphibious) are also much less abundant 

and some are now recognised as threatened such as Euryale ferox and Trapa bispinosa. 

The original flora of Hakaluki Haor, commonly referred to as swamp forest, is highly significant 

not only because it is adapted to seasonal inundation, but also because of the important role it plays 

in the conservation of biodiversity and the benefits it provides to local communities. In summary, 

swamp forests provide: 

• Habitat for wildlife 

• Spawning and feeding habitat for fish. This function is largely played by Barringtonia 

aucutangulata as plankton are attracted to this species and this in turn attracts fish 

• Nesting and roosting site for birds. The Pallas Fish Eagle, Grey-Headed Eagle, and Brahminy 

Kite are particularly attracted to Barringtonia aucutangulata and Pongamia pinneta 

• Shelter and refuge for fish, birds, other wildlife, and humans 

• A source of fuel wood 

• Housing and mat making materials 

• Medicine 

• Food 

• Fodder for cattle 

• Barriers against the erosive effects of wave action 

The major threats to the remaining swamp forests of Hakaluki Haor include agricultural 

encroachment, over-harvesting especially for fuel and building materials, cattle grazing, and the dewatering 

of beels both for fishing and irrigation. In addition, swamp forest species especially the 




trees are now commonly being replaced by faster growing exotics such as Acacia species and 

Mahogany. 

Management actions 

• Undertake, in collaboration with local community groups, a comprehensive survey of terrestrial 

and aquatic flora in the ECA with particular attention to swamp forest species 

• Identify and document the ecological parameters that underpin the favourable growth of plant 

and plant communities including soil type, climate and weather conditions, topography, 

drainage etc. 

• Prepare an inventory of all plants including a separate one for medicinal plant species 

• Estimate population numbers for each plant species 

• Identify vulnerable, endangered, and critically threatened plant species and prepare species 

recovery plans for those at most risk 



• In collaboration with local communities help establish a sufficient number of nurseries to 

provide the required amount of saplings/ seedlings needed for plant restoration activities 

• Provide on-going technical, and where feasible financial, support to ensure that nurseries are 

effectively managed and will be viable in the long-term 

• Create and update plant databases based on new information from the field 

• Work with local community groups to find alternatives to collecting fuelwood, wild medicinal 

plants, aquatic plants, and other plant resources for either personal use or to sell in local markets 

• Identify the key threats to critical plant communities in the Haor and develop recommendations 

aimed at mitigating these threats 

• Identify critical plant communities especially swamp forests and work with local community 

groups and relevant government agencies to ensure that these sites come under appropriate 

protection as sanctuaries 


for plant and forest conservation in Hakaluki Haor 

• Build the capacity of local community groups to undertake on-going monitoring of plant and 

plant communities at Hakaluki Haor 

• Ensure that all plant surveys are part of an integrated ecological monitoring programme for 

Hakaluki Haor 

• Review the legal and policy framework which regulates the protection of plant and swamp 

forests in the ECA and propose amendments that more effectively support their conservation 


• Plant and plant communities especially swamp forests are protected 

• Swamp forest cover is increased 

• Threatened plant species are recovered 

Constraints 

• Plants of Hakaluki Haor are collected for many reasons and changing these habits to make them 

more sustainable will probably be quite difficult especially among the poorer communities 




• Re-establishing viable populations of threatened plants and plant communities is time 

consuming, expensive and not necessarily be in the interests of local communities 

7.1.5 Ecological Monitoring Programme 

Ecological monitoring represents an important step towards assessing the status of biodiversity and 

critical habitats at Hakaluki Haor, as well as provides a scientifically sound basis upon which 

appropriate conservation management decisions can be made. Such decisions will include 

prioritising the recovery of endangered species and critical habitats, articulating strategies to 

safeguard and prevent further plant and animal populations from becoming threatened, and 

justifying the deployment of funds and human resources to protect at risk species. 

An outline ecological programme has already been developed, but a significant amount of work is 

still required to articulate the details of the programme especially in relation to flagship species in 

particular birds, but also fish. 


• Further develop the ecological monitoring programme for Hakaluki Haor 

• Develop detailed workplans to effectively organise and coordinate ecological monitoring field 

visits 

• Begin implementing ecological monitoring activities with particular emphasis on flagship 

species especially birds, fish, and swamp forests 

• Involve local community groups to the greatest extent possible in the implementation of the 

ecological monitoring programme 

• Provide necessary training to local community groups which enables them to independently 

undertake ecological monitoring activities 

• Enter data into already established databases and create new databases as required 

• Analyse data periodically and assess change in status of biodiversity 

• Prepare regular reports including maps, graphs, tables and other appropriate means of presenting 

information which articulate changes observed and highlight key areas of conservation concern 

as required 

• Develop recommendations aimed at mitigating adverse changes in the status of biodiversity of 

Hakaluki Haor 

• Make appropriate conservation management decisions based on analysed data 


• Increased data concerning status and trends of biodiversity 

Constraints 

• Community groups may not be interested to participate in ecological monitoring activities 

• Sufficient technical expertise may not exist in DoE to ensure that ecological monitoring 

activities are sustained over the long-term 

• Field data may not be accurate enough for conservation management purposes 




7.1.6 Alien Invasive and Exotic Species 

Relatively little research has been done to determine the presence and impact of invasive species on 

the ecology of Hakaluki Haor. Although not currently recognised as serious threat to the ECA, 

Alien invasive and exotic species have the potential to cause major disruptions to the Hakaluki Haor 

ecosystem and threaten the survival its biodiversity. Such impacts are widely documented around 

the world and it is now widely recognised that the best defence is prevention coupled with a 

detailed assessment of the current status of invasive species and the introduction of proper 

management regimes. 

Introduced Flora 

The most common invasive plant species in the ECA is the aquatic water hyacinth (Eichhornia 

crassipes). Originally from Brazil and introduced during the British colonial period for its pretty 

flower and decorative purposes, it is now found not only throughout Hakaluki Haor, but also all 

over Bangladesh. It is a serious invasive which, because of its ability to reproduce very quickly, 

blocks waterways and displaces indigenous aquatic plant species. The problem is being somewhat 

mitigated by local communities who harvest the water hyacinth to use as fodder for cattle and as 

fertiliser for their crops 

Two species of reed (Ipomoea carnia and Ipomoea fistulosa) are also invasive in Hakaluki Haor. 

Like the water hyacinth, they compete and displace both aquatic and riparian plant species found in 

the ECA. The problem is exacerbated by local communities who encourage the growth of these 

species as natural hedging or fencing, and for the stabilisation of soil along the banks of rivers, 

streams, and canals. 

The most common exotic flora in the ECA include Accia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium, 

Samania saman, Mahagoni macrophyla. These species have been introduced and are popular 

because they are suited to wetland conditions, grow quickly, and yield good quality hardwood. The 

main draw back of these species is that they are not the preferred habitat for Haor wildlife, and they 

are replacing indigenous species of swamp forest plants because they are being planted in 

preference by the local community. 

Introduced Fauna 

The Irrawady Squirrel (Calloscurus pygerytrus) is the most common known invasive animal in 

Hakaluki Haor. It seems that it is more prevalent in the west of the ECA where villagers regularly 

complain about it eating all the fruit from their gardens. It does not seem to have affected or 

displaced other animal species of the Haor. 


• Identify the type and extent of exotic species in the Hakaluki Haor ECA 

• Develop a database to record field information collected on invasive and exotic species 

• Develop mechanisms through awareness, education and/ or alternative income generating 

activities which help minimise the introduction of exotic tree species and which encourage the 

planting and regeneration of swamp forests 

• Monitor the ecological and socio-economic impact of existing animal and plant invasive species 

in the ECA 

• Control and eradicate, where possible, all introduced animal and plant species that significantly 

impact on the ecology of the ECA 

• Identify and implement measures to prevent the introduction new invasive species 




• Raise awareness among local community and government agencies about the ecological and 

sociological impacts and dangers of invasive species in the ECA 

• Work with and involve local communities, through existing CBOs and Union Chairman, in all 

activities aimed preventing, controlling, and eradicating invasive species from the ECA. 

• Review the relevant legal and policy framework in relation to exotic and invasive species and 

determine its effectiveness in regulating the introduction of new species into ECA zones 

• Develop recommendations to amend relevant legal and policy documents aimed at more 

effectively regulating the introduction of new species into ECA zones 


• Number and extent of invasive species reduced 

Constraints 

• The level of awareness at the local level about the dangers of exotic and invasive species is very 

low 

• Preventing the introduction of new plant or animal species into a large area such as Hakaluki 

Haor can be extremely difficult 

• Managing the spread of already introduced invasive species can be very costly as it is often 

requires on-going long-term management 

7.2 Objective 2 - Ecosystem Restoration 

7.2.1 Ramsar Nomination 

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar 

Convention) is directed toward the conservation and wise use of wetland habitats, as well as the 

conservation wetland fauna and flora including migratory species, especially waterfowl. In a 

comprehensive survey undertaken in 1995 by IUCN (Check), Hakaluki was deemed to fulfil the 

following six Ramsar criteria: 

• “It is a particularly good representative example of a wetland which plays a substantial 

hydrological, biological or ecological role in the natural functioning of a major river basin…” 

(Ramsar Criterion 1.c). 

• “It supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species of plant or 

animal, or an appreciable number of individuals of any one or more of these species.” (Criterion 

2.a). 

• “It is of special value for maintaining the genetic and ecological diversity of a region because of 

the peculiarities of its flora and fauna.” (Criterion 2.b) 

• “It regularly supports 20,000 waterfowl.” (Criterion 3.a). 

• “It regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl, 

indicative of wetland values, productivity or diversity (Great Cormorant, Tufted Duck)” 

(Criterion 3.b). 

• It regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or sub-species (Baers 

Pochard). CHECK 




In ADD DATE IUCN prepared and submitted a proposal to the Government of Bangladesh in an 

attempt to help catalyse action towards the nomination of Hakaluki Haor as Ramsar date. To date 

no action has been taken. 


• Follow-up on report submitted by IUCN 

• Review and update report as required 

• Submit report to MoEF for endorsement 

• Support MoEF prepare and submit an application to the Ramsar Convention to have Hakaluki 

Haor listed as Ramsar site 

• Identify government focal point to follow-up with Ramsar Secretariat 


• Hakaluki Haor is listed as a Ramsar site 

Constraints 

• Necessary data may not be readily available 

• Government authorities may not support the listing of Hakaluki Haor as a Ramsar site 

• Government approval process may be slow and cumbersome 

7.2.2 Demonstration Pilot Sites 

The identification and establishment of demonstration pilot sites serves to educate the community 

about what can be achieved both ecologically and socio-economically by the restoration of original 

habitat within the ECA. Primarily, however, the purpose of establishing demonstration sites is to 

begin the process of regenerating the natural vegetative cover of the Haor and to encourage the 

return of wildlife in particular threatened species. Such sites can then be replicated throughout the 

Haor to support the conservation of biodiversity and the long-term management of the ECA. 

Although swamp forest regenerates well, it does so very slowly. Results may, therefore, not be 

obviously visible within the first few years. As such, mobilising local communities to support the 

establishment of demonstration pilot sites may prove difficult particularly during the initial stages. 

The other challenge will be to protect sites set aside for regeneration from anthropogenic 

disturbances. Activities such as cattle grazing and collection of plants for fuel, food, and medicine 

severely disrupt a swamp forest’s capacity to regenerate. Aquatic flora is most vulnerable as mature 

plants are usually completely removed. 


• Raise awareness among local community groups about the ecological and socio-economic 

importance of establishing demonstration pilot sites 

• In collaboration with local community groups and with support from relevant government 

agencies, and possibly permission from local land-owners, identify sites suitable sites for the 

establishment of demonstration plots. 

• In collaboration with local community groups, identify mechanisms to prevent activities that 

will disrupt natural regeneration 




• Develop an M&E framework which uses biological indicators to assess the effectiveness of the 

demonstration sites as a strategy for the conservation of biodiversity 

• Introduce mechanisms which allow local community groups to sustainably utilise the range 

benefits and services provided by well established demonstration sites 

• Define the parameters which contribute to the successful establishment of a demonstration site 

to support replication of additional sites throughout the ECA. 


• Demonstration pilot sites identified, established and managed by and for local community 

groups 

• Demonstration pilot sites used to educate and raise awareness 

Constraints 

• May be difficult to agree on suitable sites 

• Obtaining permission from local land-owners and relevant government agencies may prove slow 

and cumbersome 

• Communities may not support the concept of demonstration sites over the long-term 

7.2.3 Wildlife Sanctuaries 

There are a number of sites throughout the ECA which are particularly significant for the 

conservation of ecologically important or threatened plant and animal species/ communities. The 

need to establish sanctuaries to protect critically endangered species such as the Lesser Adjutant 

(Leptoptilos javanicus), Pallas Fish Eagle, Ganges River Dolphin (Platanisea gangetica), Common 

Otter (Lutra lutra), Phayre’s Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei), Reticulated Python (Python 

reticulata), the Asiatic Soft-Shell Turtle (Chitra indica), Bacha (Eutropiichthys vacha), Bagha Air 

(Bagarius bagarius), Rita (Rita rita), and Gharua (Clupisoma garua) is particularly urgent (add 

other species as required here). 

A significant number of sites have already been identified as wildlife sanctuaries especially for the 

protection of birds and fish. Initial work to prioritise these sites has been undertaken but in many 

cases further research and data collection is required. 


• Raise awareness among local community groups about the ecological importance of establishing 

bird sanctuaries especially for globally significant and nationally threatened species 

• Raise awareness among local community groups about the ecological and socio-economic 

importance of wildlife sanctuaries especially in relation to threatened and vulnerable species of 

fish as these coming under increasing pressure from unsustainable and unregulated fishing 

practices 

• Continue to survey, identify and prioritise suitable sites as sanctuaries for the protection of 

biodiversity in particular species and communities whose survival depends upon immediate 

deployment of conservation measures 

• Identify and articulate major rehabilitation and protection requirements and develop a plan for 

the effective management of each sanctuary identified 

• Work with local communities and relevant government agencies to establish sanctuaries 

especially for the most vulnerable species 




• Identify mechanisms to ensure that sanctuaries are established under an appropriate legal 

framework which supports biodiversity conservation 

• In collaboration with local communities and relevant government agencies, develop suitable 

frameworks for effective long-term management of the sanctuaries 

• Prepare agreements involving relevant parties involved in the management of the sanctuaries 


sanctuaries for biodiversity conservation and more particularly species recovery 


• Wildlife sanctuaries are established throughout the ECA and managed in collaboration with 

local community groups for the protection of biodiversity especially threatened species 

Constraints 

• Site selection may conflict with other intended uses 



• Communities may not necessarily the establishment of all proposed wildlife sanctuaries 

7.2.4 Swamp Forest Plantations 

Not only is the assemblage of swamp forest species found at Hakaluki Haor unique and highly 

specialised to the seasonal and prolonged inundation of the region, but much of the resident wildlife 

of the area is highly adapted to this original vegetation that was once abundant throughout the ECA. 

Many birds including the Pallas Fish Eagle, Grey-Headed Eagle, and Brahminy Kite choose in 

preference swamp forest species such as Hijol (Beringtonia aucutangulata) and Corotch (Pongamia 

pinneta) for roosting and nesting; small mammals and reptiles seek refuge and shelter in the shrubs, 

grasses and reeds which make-up the understory of the swamp forest; and beneath the surface of the 

water the tangle of roots, stems, shoots and aquatic plant species creates the perfect feeding and 

breeding ground for Haor fish. 

With swamp forests now mostly non-existent or highly degraded throughout the Haor, it is now 

imperative that work commences aimed at restoring and regenerating this original vegetative cover 

of the ECA. A significant number of important sites where such work can begin have already been 

identified and initial work to prioritise these sites has commenced. Further research and data 

collection is required. 


• Raise awareness among local community groups about the ecological importance and urgent 

need to begin the process of restoring and regenerating the swamp forests of Hakaluki Haor 

• Continue to survey, identify and prioritise suitable sites for the restoration and regeneration of 

swamp forests 

• Identify and articulate major rehabilitation and protection requirements and develop a plan for 

the effective management of each site identified. In particular, pay attention to threats and 

pressures such as agricultural encroachment, harvesting especially for fuel and building 

materials, and cattle grazing 

• Conduct further research into the impacts of a specific species of sponge which is preventing the 

growth of plants such Hijol (Beringtonia aucutangulata) and Corotch (Pongamia pinneta) 




• Identify appropriate strategies to effectively control and eradicate this sponge species especially 

the use of the herb Bolalok (local name) which when planted around the banks of beels is 

showing potential in preventing the spread of this sponge 

• Work with local communities and relevant government agencies to establish swamp forest 

restoration and regeneration sites 

• In collaboration with local communities help establish a sufficient number of nurseries to 

provide the required amount of saplings/ seedlings needed for swamp forest restoration and 

regeneration activities 

• Provide on-going technical, and where feasible financial, support to ensure that nurseries are 

effectively managed and will be viable in the long-term 

• Identify mechanisms to ensure that restoration and regeneration sites are established under an 

appropriate legal framework which supports biodiversity conservation 

• In collaboration with local communities and relevant government agencies, develop suitable 

frameworks for the effective long-term management of the restoration and regeneration sites 

• Prepare agreements involving relevant parties involved in the management of the restoration and 

regeneration sites articulating the roles and responsibilities of each party 


restoration and regeneration sites for biodiversity conservation 


• Swamp forests are regenerating and being rehabilitated at selected sites throughout the ECA in 

collaboration with local community groups 

Constraints 

• Site selection may conflict with other intended uses by community and government agencies 

• May prove difficult to obtain required number of seedlings and saplings 

• Mitigating threats and pressures may prove too difficult 

• Adverse weather may hamper restoration and regeneration activities 



• Communities may not necessarily agree with sites identified for swamp forest restoration and 

regeneration activities 

7.2.5 Rivers, Canals, Beels and Water 

The rivers, canals, and beels are an integral part of the freshwater ecology of the Hakaluki Haor 

ECA. As a critical habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, and an important resource for 

many local communities, the ecological integrity of these water bodies and waterways is coming 

under increasing threat and rapid degradation is being observed. Siltation rates are increasing which 

exacerbates flooding, rivers are being diverted for irrigation, beels are commonly de-watered to 

catch fish, and more waste is being dumped in and around the ECA and contaminating the water of 

the Haor. Other problems recently observed include the blockage of the Sonai/ Bordol River where 

it enters Bangladesh from India. 





• Assess the status of rivers, canals, and beels in the ECA 

• Continue undertaking research to further develop an understanding of the complex flows and 

interconnectivity of the water bodies and waterways of the ECA 

• Identify major threats to rivers, canals, and beels 

• Develop, in collaboration with local community groups, measures to protect beels from the 

impacts of anthropogenic disturbances such as the use of poison to fish, cattle defecating in and 

around the water’s edge, pumping of water for irrigation, and the dumping of waste 

• Identify the most highly degraded beels and develop strategies to recover these sites 

• Procure equipment required for water quality testing 

• Undertake water quality testing at select locations throughout the ECA and involve relevant 

local community user groups in this exercise by providing appropriate training or otherwise 

• Identify type and source of pollutant 

• Determine water depth and siltation rates for all major water bodies of the ECA 

• Monitor flooding levels in collaboration with local community groups 

• Develop, in collaboration with local community groups, measures to mitigate adverse flooding 

including the building of dykes 

• Investigate the feasibility of dredging highly silted beels, canals and rivers 

• Raise awareness about the impacts of beel de-watering and identify alternatives and more 

sustainable approaches to fishing 

• Continue undertaking riparian plantation to stabilise banks and help prevent erosion 


• The quality, health, and integrity of water, water bodies, and waterways is improved 

• Highly degraded water bodies (beels) are restored 

Constraints 

• Break down of testing equipment may hamper on-going water quality monitoring 

• Flooding and siltation are major issues caused by a variety of factors which may not be easy to 

mitigate both in the short and long-term 

7.2.6 Beel Leasing 

In Hakaluki Haor beels are leased by the government for three consecutive years for private fishing 

development purposes. Some of the major beels currently being leased include Haorkhal, Chatla, 

Chokia, Jalla, Dholia, Fualla, Kukurdubi, and Balijuri. Leasees are provided the rights to fish these 

beels for financial gain. Usually, leased beels are fished with little or no concern for its ecological 

integrity which often translates into rapid habitat degradation and an accelerated loss of species 

especially fish and aquatic plants, but also birds. 

With ecologically important beels under lease, establish fish, bird and other wildlife sanctuaries at 

these sites will effectively be impossible, as will activities such as swamp forest rehabilitation and 

regeneration. 





• Undertake urgent research into current beel leasing arrangements in order to develop a sound 

understanding of the terms and conditions under which leasing contracts are drawn-up 

• Explore the possibility of modifying the leasing contracts so that fishing activities are 

undertaken in a manner that is more sound and sustainable 

• Initiate discussions with relevant government agencies to determine the feasibility of ending 

beel leasing arrangements especially for those sites that are ecologically significant for Hakaluki 

Haor and /or represent important habitats for threatened and endangered wildlife 

• Initiate discussions with local community groups so that their concerns and interests can form 

part of the overall debate 

• Develop partnerships with existing licence owners and provide technical, and where feasible 

financial, support to help ensure that all activities are undertaken in a manner that is 

environmentally friendly, sustainable, and consistent with the management objectives of the 

ECA 

• Monitor activities at beels that have been leased to ensure that they are being undertaken in a 

manner that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and consistent with the management 

objectives of the ECA 


• The leasing of beels as an activity in the ECA is minimised 

• Beels are leased, managed, and monitored under strict a code of conservation 

Constraints 

• The leasing of beels in Hakaluki Haor represents a significant earning potential for government 

authorities and as such there may be strong resistance and lack of cooperation in changing 

current leasing arrangements 

7.2.7 Land Ownership 

Land in Hakaluki Haor is either owned privately or by the government. Ownership, however, is not 

always clear cut or straightforward and there is significant potential for confusion to arise especially 

over the coming years when many areas of the ECA are going to be developed as sanctuaries and 

critical habitats for swamp forest, birds, fish and other ecologically significant species. 


• Undertake research to establish what proportion of the land in the ECA is privately owned and 

what proportion is owned by the government 

• Prepare maps which show the relationship between privately and publicly owned land 

• Initiate discussions with Assistant Commissioner’s Land Department and inform them of all 

management initiatives which relate to the use of land in the ECA 

• Ensure that all land arrangements are clear before setting aside and establishing sites such as 

sanctuaries and critical habitats for swamp forest, birds, fish and other ecologically significant 

species. 

• Identify mechanisms to effectively and efficiently resolve land dispute issues 





• Land ownership in the ECA is clarified and does not present an impediment to conservation 

activities 

Constraints 

• Up-to-date information on land ownership is not easily accessible 

• On-going land disputes may severely disrupt urgent conservation activities 

7.2.8 Conflict of Interest Issues 

Although the Government of Bangladesh has declared Hakaluki Haor as an Ecologically Critical 

Area requiring urgent protection and management, not everyone shares this view. As land is scarce 

in Bangladesh, allocating so much of it to biodiversity conservation is not necessarily regarded as 

the best use of it. Furthermore, there are competing interests among those groups who want to use it 

for purposes other than biodiversity conservation. The primary conflict is between fishing 

communities who want access to the beels and its aquatic resources and farmers who want to 

convert the land for agricultural purposes. Interest from other groups include those who want keep 

the land clear for the grazing of their cattle such as sheep, goats, cows, and buffaloes, and those who 

want to retain the land and water bodies to rear domestic ducks. 


• Identify, through the PAPD/ Community Mobilisation exercise, the nature and extent of the 

conflicts that exist between different use interests in Hakaluki Haor 

• Organise, with the support of existing community networks such as Village Conservation 

Groups and CBOs, events that bring relevant stakeholder groups together as a means of 

identifying ways to resolve conflict of interest issues 

• Identify, where feasible, suitable alternative income generating activities that help minimise and 

eradicate conflict of interest issues 

• Initiate community driven pilot activities aimed at minimising conflict of interest issues 

• Monitor pilot activities and document lessons learned 


• All stakeholders support the management objectives of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA 

• Conflict of interests issue are resolved expediently and different user groups are working 

together to support conservation 

Constraints 

• Suitable and lasting alternatives aimed at minimising conflict of interest issues may be difficult 

to identify 

7.2.9 ECA Mapping and Boundary Identification 

The area of the Hakaluki Haor ECA is defined by the administrative boundaries of eleven Unions 

(Bhatera, Baramchal, Bhakshimail, Jaifarnagar, Barni, Talimpur, Sujanagar, Paschim Juri, 

Gilachhara, Uttar Bade Pasha, and Sarifganj) which fall under the jurisdiction of five Upazilas 




(Kulaura, Barlekha, Fenchugonj, Paschim Juri, and Golapgonj) in two Districts (Moulvibazar and 

Sylhet). 

Methodology for the mapping of the ECA has been developed. It has involved site visits throughout 

the ECA, the use of GIS, and extensive formal and informal consultation with local community 

members, as well as with relevant government agencies. This research has generated a significant 

amount of data which has permitted initial work in defining the ECA into a number of zones. These 

zones are being defined as follows: 

Core Zone: No settlement, high number of water bodies, and fallow land 

Zone Two: Little settlement but dominated by agriculture and other activities 

Buffer/ Activity Zone: Multiple land use patterns dominated by settlement and agriculture 

Each zone will require a different set of management objectives. These have been tentatively 

defined as: 

Core Zone: Strict conservation area containing fish sanctuaries incorporating important migration 

channels, critical bird habitats, and swamp forest regeneration and re-vegetation sites. It should also 

promote minimal disturbance from local communities in the form of fishing, farming, grazing, and 

other resource extraction activities such as firewood collection. 

Zone Two: While incorporating elements of strict conservation as in Core Zone 1, Zone Two 

would primarily focus on the concepts of sustainable use and wise management of natural resources 

in support of local community livelihoods. Emphasis should be placed on integrated conservation 

and development approaches and the introduction of alternative income generating activities (IGAs) 

aimed at easing pressure on the ECA ecosystem overall and in particular maintaining the integrity 

of the Core Zone. 

Buffer/ Activity Zone: constituting the outer ring of the ECA, the Buffer/ Activity Zone will 

primarily be managed in terms of its key ecological and sociological features that are likely to have 

a significant impact on or form an integral part of the Hakaluki Haor ecosystem such as rivers, tea 

estates, industrial developments, plantations, and anything else that may affect the ECA’s 

ecological integrity. Emphasis will be placed on minimising adverse impacts on the Haor 

ecosystem, raising awareness, education, and capacity building. 

As part of the ECA mapping exercise, a significant amount of work has also been undertaken to 

assess the ecological appropriateness of the gazetted boundary. This has mostly involved 

identifying the boundary and then travelling its length to develop a first-hand understanding of its 

key features, and perhaps more importantly to ascertain whether or not there are ecologically 

significant areas which have not been, but which should be, included in the gazette. 


• Continue mapping activities to further define appropriate management zones of the ECA 

• Update and refine relevant databases 

• Create new databases as required 

• Prepare a report which document the ECA mapping methodology and approach 

• Procure and analyse recent satellite and aerial imagery 

• Use GIS software to create a map showing each of the management zones and their respective 

features 




• Introduce the zoning concept to local communities and relevant government agencies and raise 

awareness about the objectives for each zone 

• Based on feedback from local communities and relevant government agencies amend the zoning 

objectives as required 

• Develop mechanisms in collaboration with local communities to demarcate the zones within the 

ECA, as well as its boundary 

• Continue surveying the boundary of the ECA and identifying and defining the key socioecological 

features that are relevant to the overall conservation of the Haor 

• Analyse the appropriateness of the current ECA boundary and propose alternatives should they 

be required 


• Zonation including boundary assessment is complete and Hakaluki Haor is managed 

accordingly 

• Zonation maps are produced and distributed to all stakeholders 

Constraints 

• Time consuming 

• Seasonal flooding 

• Difficult accessibility 

7.2.10 Agriculture 

Agricultural production in and around Hakaluki Haor is dominated by the growing of rice. In the 

past, farmers cultivated the many indigenous varieties of rice common to the region. Being well 

adapted these varieties grow well and require only minimal agricultural inputs. However, due to 

relatively low yields, production, over the years, has increasingly shifted from local indigenous 

varieties to the use of High Yield Varieties (HYV). Although this is economically more rewarding 

for local farmers, HYV rice is typically associated with a number of environmental concerns such 

as rapid soil degradation which usually results in the need for the application of synthetic fertilisers. 

Also HYV rice tends to be more prone to attack by pests and disease and to combat this problem 

farmers often rely on a toxic mix of herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. These issues are of 

particular to efforts aimed at the sound and sustainable management of Hakaluki Haor. 

With more and more farmers turning to HYV rice for both food security and additional income 

purposes, there is a growing concern that this trend will eventually compromise the genetic 

diversity of rice in the region with the possibility of losing local and indigenous rice varieties 

altogether. Although the expansion of HYV rice is unavoidable, proper management incorporating 

the promotion and reintroduction of local indigenous rice varieties may prove the answer to the 

adverse impacts associated with HYV rice production. 


• Involve farming communities and relevant government agencies (in particular the Bangladesh 

Rice Research Institute) to collect agricultural data concerning the following: 

� Amount of land in the ECA currently being used for agricultural purposes 

� Seasonal fluctuations in area of land cultivated 




� Current varieties of rice being cultivated including both HYV and indigenous varieties 

� Preferred soil types of each rice variety 

� Cropping intensity and rotation (how many crops/ unit area/ year) 

� Yield of each rice variety 

� Land preparation requirements (animal driven plough, ladder, tractor) 

� Type of planting material (seed, seedling, wilding) 

� Sources of planting materials (self, private entrepreneur, NGO, GO) 

� Pest and diseases associated with each agricultural crop (animal, insect, fungus) 

� Pest and disease control (scarecrow, chemicals, biological control, other indigenous 

methods) 

� Major irrigation methods (natural source, shallow tube well, deep tube well) 

� Weeds and weeding including identification of the major weeds and approaches for control 

(manual, chemical etc.) 

� Use of fertilisers and manure (manure: cow dung, compost, left over stumps, fertilisers: N, 

P, K and other micronutrients, amount used per unit area, fertiliser application method, time 

of year fertilisers are applied 

� Problems associated with existing cropping patterns 

� Agricultural impacts on the surrounding ecosystem 

� Economic viability of each different agricultural crop 

� Rate of agricultural encroachment within the ECA 

� Different groups involved in farming including and the role they each plays in agricultural 

production 

• Prepare a separate report documenting all the indigenous rice varieties found in the Hakaluki 

Haor ECA 

• Undertake an cost-benefit analysis comparing HYV and indigenous rice varieties taking into 

consideration the long-term impacts on the environment 

• Investigate the possibility of re-introducing economically viable indigenous rice varieties 

• Provide technical, and where feasible financial, support to local farmers attempting to reintroduce 

indigenous rice varieties 

• Help farmers identify markets for indigenous rice varieties 

• Provide technical support to farmers cultivating HYV rice aimed at reducing soil degradation 

and the ecological impacts of agro-chemical use 

• Provide technical support to local farmers to identify natural and less harmful alternatives to 

herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and fertilisers 


• Agricultural is managed sustainably with increasing trends towards organic production 

• Indigenous rice varieties are re-introduced 

Constraints 

• Local farmers may resist becoming involving in the re-introduction of indigenous rice varieties 

as short-term rewards may not be incentive enough 




7.2.11 Horticulture 

Horticultural activities in the ECA are typified by small homestead gardens producing a variety of 

fruit and vegetables. Homesteads are usually located at the periphery and adjacent to elevated 

fallow lands of the Haor. Some of the more common vegetables include rye, sweet gourd, long 

bean, tomato, eggplant, chilli, radish, bottle gourd, okra, and cabbage, while the fruit varieties 

grown mostly consist of lychee, jackfruit, mango, coconut, guava, banana, lime, carambola, and 

hogplum. Generally fruit and vegetable are grown for personal consumption, however, some are 

sold in nearby markets to help supplement household incomes. One of the key advantages of 

horticultural cash crops is that they help to reduce the pressure on wetlands resources which are 

often harvested as a way of generating additional income. 

When the Haor floods many of these homestead gardens especially the lower lying ones become 

inundated and as a result unusable. This natural phenomenon is one of the major limiting factors for 

the introduction horticultural activities as a dependable way of generating an additional income 

stream for poor families. 

Although there are potential benefits to be derived from the development of more productive and 

economically viable homestead gardens, there are also potential disadvantages. Of most concern is 

the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilisers 

which affect soil fertility, contaminate water, and pose a threat to public heath. 


• Involving local communities and relevant government agencies collect ecological baseline 

information concerning the full range of horticultural crops in and around Hakaluki Haor 

including: 

� The number and type of different 

varieties currently being cultivated 

� Preferred habitat and soil type 

associated with each variety 

� Seasonal and spatial distribution of 

different crops 

� Existing crop rotation patterns 

� Irrigation requirements 

� The range of pests and diseases 

affecting crops 

� Current mechanisms for controlling 

pests and disease 

� Current type and use levels of 

pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and 

fertilisers 

� Potential for using organic and 

environmentally safe alternatives to 

pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and 

fertilisers 

• Involving local communities and relevant government agencies collect socio-economic baseline 

information relating to each horticultural crop grown in and around Hakaluki Haor including: 

� The variety of different uses 

� Cultural practices associated with 

associated with each crop 

each horticultural crops 

� Whether the crop is used for self- 

� Seed sources, storage, and treatment 

consumption or sold in the market 

� Seed cost and availability 

� The economic viability including 

potential return associated with each 

crop and how this relates to the size 

of each garden 

� 

� 

Market, processing and transportation 

of horticultural crops 

Health benefits associated with each 

crop 

• Involving local communities and relevant government agencies collect information concerning 

the potential for introducing new horticultural crops especially those that have promise for 




providing a steady and stable source of additional income for the local community in particular 

poorer families. Selection should also be based on: 

� Local preferences. 

� The adaptive capacity of each potential crop particularly in relation to local climatic and 

bio-physical conditions (drought, flood, wind, soil, pests and disease etc) 

• Develop a comprehensive plan aimed at maximising production from homestead gardens while 

maintaining the ecological integrity of the ECA 

• Work with local communities to initiate activities to increase the number, type, and yield of 

existing horticultural crops in homestead gardens 

• Based on a detailed analysis of data collected, introduce new and economically viable 

horticultural varieties as a means of increasing food security, generating income, and ultimately 

reducing pressure of the ECA 

• Identify alternatives for communities whose gardens become inundated during the flooding 

season 

• Engage and help establish as required cooperatives especially involving women which support 

well managed and economically viable homestead gardens 


• Homestead gardens are making a significant contribution to household incomes and dependence 

on the natural resources of the ECA is minimised 

• Homestead gardens are managed sustainably and without the use of agro-chemicals 

Constraints 

• Local communities may resist the introduction of new crops 

• Annual flooding may pose a significant hurdle to overcome 

• Financing the introduction of new horticultural crops may prove to be quite expensive 

7.2.12 Irrigation 

Water is seemingly abundant in the Haor especially during the months of rain when the ECA floods 

for up to five months of the year. During the winter months, however, the landscape changes 

dramatically and what was just a large inland freshwater lake becomes fertile ground for 

agricultural activity. To irrigate newly planted crops farmers draw water from a variety of sources 

including canals, rivers, beels, and underground water tables. 

The current system for the irrigation of horticultural and agricultural crops within the ECA is, 

however, largely unregulated and as a result the indiscriminate use of water is significantly 

impacting the ecology of the Haor. The diversion of waterways and pumping of beels for irrigation 

purposes is, for example, disrupting fish migratory pathways and degrading habitats for fish, 

wildlife, and aquatic vegetation. 

At this stage, more information concerning current irrigation practices is required in order to make a 

proper assessment of the impact on Haor ecology. Data collection should be undertaken in close 

collaboration with local farmers, the Water Development Board (WDB), and Upazilla Agriculture 

Officers. 





• Identify all sources of water used for irrigation purposes 

• Document all forms of irrigation practised in the ECA including traditional, indigenous, and 

contemporary 

• Identify and document the ecological and socio-economic impacts associated with each different 

form of irrigation 

• Identify the type of crop requiring the most amount of water and conversely that which requires 

the least 

• Identify sites in the ECA that are prone to drought and where the pressure for irrigation is likely 

to be highest 

• Provide technical, and where feasible financial, support to farmers in the adoption of irrigation 

strategies which are less harmful to the environment 

• Identify and promote the use agricultural and horticultural crops that are the least dependent on 

excessive irrigation 

• Provide technical, and where feasible financial, support to farmers in the adoption more drought 

tolerant agricultural and horticultural varieties 

• Support the development of local by-laws which restrict or prevent the use of environmentally 

unfriendly irrigation practices 


• Irrigation is regulated and managed in a sustainable manner 

Constraints 

• Unregulated irrigation throughout the ECA is widespread and well entrenched and bringing 

about change is likely to be slow and difficult 

7.2.13 Medicinal Plants 

The medicinal plants of Hakaluki Haor once an integral part of the swamp forest ecosystem have 

now largely been incorporated into the homestead gardens of the local communities living in and 

around the ECA. Some of the most common include Neem (Azadirachta indica), Arjun (Terminalia 

arjuna), Aggor (Aquillaria agallocha), Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica), Damur (Ficus Lispida), Tulni 

(Ocimum sanctum), Thankuni (Centella asiatica), Bohera (Terminalia Bellirica), and Haritaki 

(Terminalia chebula). These plants are used by local village doctors and others skilled in the 

knowledge of their therapeutic applications to treat many common ailments. The sale of these plants 

is also used to supplement the incomes of many poorer families. 

Wild medicinal plants in Hakaluki Haor are now becoming increasingly rare largely because most 

of the original swamp forests have been cut-down, and also as a result of over-harvesting. The 

conservation of both wild and homestead garden medicinal plants will not only benefit local 

communities, but is also important for biodiversity conservation. 


• Collect socio-economic data concerning medicinal plants of the Haor including information on: 

� Use of each plant in treating ailments 

both for humans and farm animals 

such as chickens, goats, cows, buffalo, 

sheep, fish etc. 




� Different part of each plant used 

(fruit, flower, seed, stem, leaf, bark, 

root etc.) 

� Way in which the plant is processed 

and stored 

� Cost and popularity of the plant 

� Plant availability and abundance in 

the market including season 

� Number of groups involved in 

making the medicinal plant available 

in the market 

� Number and status of the medicinal plant 

users (income, education, age, sex) 

� Number of ayurvedic and other doctors 

using medicinal plant from the Haor 

� Number of people selling medicinal plants 

in local markets 

� Number of people growing medicinal 

plants 

� Number of people harvesting/ collecting 

medicinal plants 

� Interest by pharmaceutical companies 

• Collect ecological information on all the medicinal plants of Hakaluki Haor including: 

� Area of the ECA in which the plant can be found 

� The status of each plant in terms of whether it is abundant, rare, threatened or endangered 

� Rate of growth 

� Growth conditions including preferred soil type, water tolerance, sunlight tolerance, 

whether it is an annual or perennial 

• Develop species recovery plans for endangered medicinal plant species 

• Raise awareness among the local community about the ecological and socio-economic 

significance of medicinal plants and the dangers of over-harvesting 

• Work with local communities to help protect and restore wild medicinal plant populations and 

communities within the ECA 

• Identify which medicinal plants have the potential to be more effectively included in the home 

garden as a cash crop and which can therefore be used to generated additional income for poorer 

families 

• In collaboration with local communities introduce appropriate medicinal plants into homestead 

gardens and provide support in finding market for the sale of the plant as needed 

• Provide support in processing of medicinal plants to help generate more substantial incomes for 

local communities 


• Wild medicinal plants are protected 

• Numbers and variety of wild medicinal plants are increased 

• Threatened medicinal plant species are recovered 

Constraints 

• Preventing the over-harvesting of wild medicinal plants may prove to be a very difficult process 

• Ensuring the economic viability of medicinal plants grown in homestead gardens may be 

problematic especially in the short-term. 




7.2.14 Soils 

Understanding the soil profile of Hakaluki Haor will provide important baseline information upon 

which to base management decisions especially in relation to the conservation of swamp forests and 

the sustainable production agricultural and horticultural crops in and around the Hakaluki Haor 

ECA. 

A comprehensive Mouza level soil profile has already been developed by the Soil Research and 

Development Institute (SRDI). An in-depth technical analysis of this data is now necessary in order 

draw-out the linkages and relationships between soil variances in the ECA and the potential to 

regenerate swamp forests, as well as grow economically viable and environmentally sustainable 

agricultural and horticultural crops. A sound knowledge of soil characteristics will also be 

beneficial in attempting to address on-going issues of erosion and sedimentation. 


• Analyse the soil profile map developed by the Soil Research and Development Institute (SRDI) 

and undertake ground truthing missions to validate its accuracy 

• Provide support to SRDI in updating the soil profile map 

• Identify the soils in which swamp forest species grow best and where these soil types are located 

throughout the ECA 

• Develop an understanding of how soils and soil profiles are changing in Hakaluki Haor and 

determine the impact such change will have on the restoration of swamp forests and the 

production of agricultural and horticultural crops 


• The relationship between soil type and plant growth is established and understood 

• Soil data supports conservation efforts especially in relation to the restoration of swamp forests 

Constraints 

• Developing a sound understanding of the soil profile of Hakaluki Haor may be very time 

consuming as the ECA is very large 

7.2.15 Agro-Chemicals and IPM 

Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and synthetic fertilisers are widely used for agricultural and 

horticultural purposes in and around Hakaluki Haor, as well in the tea estates surrounding the ECA. 

At this stage, very little is known about the impact these potentially toxic chemicals are having on 

the ecology of Hakaluki Haor especially in relation to important flagship species such as the birds 

and fish. It is therefore important to begin investigating the matter in order to develop a sound 

understanding of the current situation, and with this knowledge to identify the potential range of 

solutions and alternatives that might be employed to address the ecological implications of using 

agro-chemicals in the ECA. Solutions should be consistent with both the need for a healthy Haor 

ecosystem, as well as the interests of the local community and their dependence on agricultural and 

horticultural activities to sustain their livelihoods. 


• Identify the number of suppliers in each of the eleven Unions and the types of chemicals that are 

available on the market. Manufacturers’ names should also be identified 




• Meet with local community representatives and tea estate owners in order to determine how 

often the chemicals are used, in what concentrations, in what manner, for what purposes, and at 

what cost 

• Identify the main reasons that drive the use of agrochemicals use such as higher yield, pest & 

disease control, preservation and storage etc 

• Identify and analyse the relationship between farmer type and agrochemical use 

• Meet with local farmers and identify knowledge relating to indigenous and more sustainable 

pest and weed control, and the use of organic fertilisers 

• Identify the reasons why farmers are increasingly shifting from indigenous knowledge to 

favouring the use of chemical alternatives. 

• Analyse the economic viability of reintroducing indigenous knowledge 

• Meet with relevant government officials in order to determine whether or not the government 

has developed guidelines or a legislative framework governing herbicide and pesticide use, and 

if so whether or not the guidelines/ framework are being enforced. 

• Take samples to determine concentrations in water and soil and analyse the potential 

environmental effects such concentrations are having on the biodiversity, water quality, and soil 

fertility of Hakaluki Haor both in the short and long term. 

• Determine the way in which surrounding waterways are acting as conduits for the entry of toxic 

chemicals into Hakaluki Haor especially from surrounding tea estates 

• Provide support to tea estates in identifying domestic and international markets for organic tea 

as a way of helping reduce the application of herbicides and pesticides 

• In collaboration with local community groups initiate activities aimed at reducing herbicide and 

pesticide use 

• Undertake activities in close collaboration with UNDP as funds have been earmarked to support 

the implementation of an integrated pest management (IPM) training programme 


• The use of agro-chemicals in the ECA is eradicated 

• Markets are identified which support organic production 

Constraints 

• The use of agro-chemicals is widespread throughout the ECA. Applications are usually cheap, 

fast, and easy. Convincing farmers to return or adopt alternative approaches which may 

compromise short-term profits may prove to be quite difficult 

• Agro-chemical retailers will resist change towards alternatives and their livelihoods will be 

directly affected 

• Alternative approaches may not produce desired results and farmers may lose confidence 

7.2.16 Impact Analysis 

Hakaluki Haor faces threat from a wide variety of activities that are undertaken throughout the 

ECA. Although many of these threats have already been identified, little information is currently 

available on the level and seriousness of impact that each is having. 





• Through the process of baseline data collection and on-going field visits, identify and quantify 

the extent to which anthropogenic activities are adversely impacting on the ecology and 

biodiversity of the Haor. Particular attention should be accorded to the following: 

� Agriculture encroachment 

� Infrastructure development 

� Harvesting of natural resources 

including fuelwood collection 

� Deforestation both in Bangladesh and 

India 

� Cattle grazing 

� Agro-chemical use in and around the 

ECA 

� Illegal fishing and bird hunting 

� Increase use of HYV of rice 

� Local industry including brick kilns 

and saw mills 

• Determine which activities are the most threatening and develop strategies in close collaboration 

with local communities and relevant government agencies that aim to minimise and, where 

possible eradicate, such disturbances. 

• Identify alternatives in collaboration with local community groups to anthropogenic activities 

that negatively impact on the ecology of the Haor 

• Undertake activities aimed at minimising the impacts of the most threatening anthropogenic 

disturbances 

• Review the relevant legal and policy framework and make recommendations which will help 

ensure that anthropogenic disturbances are minimised and where possible eradicated 

• Raise awareness among the community about the ecological and socio-economic impact of 

anthropogenic disturbance 


• There is a sharp reduction in the number and severity of threats to the Hakaluki Haor ecosystem 

Constraints 

• Private operators resist change towards more environment friendly businesses as the transition 

may not be as profitable 

• Serious anthropogenic disturbances may not be addressed in a timely manner resulting in further 

degradation of the ecosystem. 

7.3 Objective 3 - Community Involvement & Empowerment 

7.3.1 Stakeholder Involvement 

Community Mobilisation 

Extensive and on-going grass roots level consultations is helping generate the information necessary 

to effectively and meaningfully engage local communities in the sound and sustainable management 

of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA. The process will culminate in the comprehensive documentation of 

important socio-economic information relevant to the conservation of biodiversity at Hakaluki 

Haor, and a framework which will articulate, in a detailed and strategic manner, the way in which 

communities will drive and contribute to on-the-ground conservation management activities. 




Village Conservation Groups 

Village conservation groups are considered to be a mechanism through which the implementation 

of field level conservation activities can be initiated and coordinated. As part of the broader 

framework for the management of Hakaluki Haor, the original intention was to establish between 5- 

7 Village Conservation Groups at strategic locations throughout the ECA. 

Community Based Organisations 

Through the interventions of other projects such as SEMP and MACH, a significant number of 

community based organisations have been established and are operational within the Hakaluki Haor 

ECA. The existence of these organisations has significant potential to support conservation efforts 

at Hakaluki Haor. 

Community Focal Points 

Community Focal Points are individuals within a given community that are able to facilitate and 

catalyse conservation action. They are also the link through which communities can be reached and 

are therefore able to play an important role in the dissemination of information. Respected 

individuals in the community such as teachers or religious leaders are often considered the most 

appropriate choice as Community Focal Points. Community Focal Points will be volunteer 

positions. 


• Continue the Community Mobilisation exercise to produce important socio-economic data as a 

basis upon which conservation management planning decisions cam be made 

• Prepare a detailed stakeholder analysis report which articulates the socio-economic status of 

each group, the relationship that each group has with Hakaluki Haor and the implications this 

has for ECA management 

• Prepare a report which articulates in detail the role that each stakeholder group will play in the 

management of Hakaluki Haor 

• Explore the feasibility of using existing village level groups as VCGs already established under 

the Sustainable Environment Management Programme (SEMP) through the Centre for Natural 

Resource Studies (CNRS) 

• Identify and establish the required number of Village Conservation Groups necessary to support 

the effective management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA 

• Provide support aimed at helping women to organise themselves to more effectively voice their 

concerns and become actively involved in the management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA 

• Continue to identify and formally recruit existing Community Based Organisations with 

sufficient capacity to support conservation activities at Hakaluki Haor 

• Identify suitable individuals prepared to act as Community Focal Points 

• Provide training to Community Focal Points as required. 


• The community becomes an integral component in the management of Hakaluki Haor as an 

ECA 

• Community groups are empowered to effectively and meaningfully contribute to management 

discourse 


Constraints 



• Community groups are tiring of “lots of talk and little on-the-ground action” and as a result are 

losing confidence in the drive towards the management and conservation of Hakaluki Haor 

• Many community groups want to see direct socio-economic benefits before they become 

involved in conservation efforts 

• Ensuring the sustainability of VCG and CBO involvement in the on-going management of 

Hakaluki Haor will be a significant challenge 

7.3.2 Education and Awareness Raising 

The combination of education and awareness raising of the local community is, perhaps, the single 

most powerful tool that can be employed to help shape and change attitudes in support of 

conservation efforts. This is especially the case in relation to younger generations, but is also 

applicable to older generations particularly if effective and appropriate strategies are incorporated 

into a comprehensive and integrated education and awareness raising programme. 

A number of activities have already been initiated aimed educating and building awareness among 

the community. A brochure about the importance of Hakaluki Haor was developed in Bangla and 

distributed widely among communities living in and around the ECA. Billboards have been 

designed and arrangements are being made to have them placed at strategic locations around the 

ECA. Some contain more general information on the importance of conservation while others have 

been specifically designed to raise awareness about the need to protect endangered species such as 

the Lesser Adjutant Stalk. World Environment and World Wetland Days are celebrated regularly. 

In addition, research is being conducted to identify and locate all the education institutions and local 

markets in the ECA as these are considered to be sites where education and awareness raising 

activities are likely to have the most impact. 


• Develop a comprehensive and integrated education and awareness raising programme including 

a detailed discussion of the range of tools, techniques, and approaches needed for educating the 

community about the importance of biodiversity conservation 

• Prepare a framework which outlines the strategies necessary for reaching the whole spectrum of 

stakeholders living in and around Hakaluki Haor with particular emphasis on often marginalised 

groups such as women, children, and ethnic minorities 

• Identify the partner organisation including local community groups with whom education and 

awareness raising activities will be undertaken 

• Implement the education and awareness raising programme in close collaboration with local 

community groups 

• Prepare a report which documents and defines all the educational institutions and local markets 

within the ECA and which includes recommendations about how to best involve and target these 

institutions 

• Continue to celebrate with the involvement of local community groups and relevant government 

agencies important events which support conservation efforts 

• Carry-out, in collaboration with local community groups, ad hoc education and awareness 

raising activities whilst the preparation of a comprehensive education and awareness raising 

programme is underway. This could include, but not be limited to, the following: 




� Teaching materials 

� Story books 

� Multi-topic booklets 

� Songs and poetry 

� Posters – birds, fish, swamp forest 

species etc. 

� Pamphlets 

� T-shirts and hats 

� TV ads 

� Documentaries 

� Topic specific campaigns – bird 

hunting, fry fish catching etc. 

� Radio announcements 

� Theatre, plays, and pantomimes 

� Competitions 

� Integrating conservation concerns 

into religious teachings 

� Movies and documentaries 

• Maintain records of all education and awareness materials developed for review, refinement and 

re-use as required 

• Place priority in undertaking activities to raise awareness about threatened and critically 

endangered species 

• Ensure that all awareness materials developed include options which provide local communities 

with specific instructions about how to contribute to and/ or get involved in conservation efforts 


• There is a much wider understanding and awareness among the local community and throughout 

the country about the ecological and socio-economic importance of Hakaluki Haor 

Constraints 

• Education and awareness raising activities may be effective in the short-term but unless viable 

alternatives are identified which promote change away from habits that are damaging to the 

environment such efforts may not be sustainable in the long-term 

• Education and awareness activities can be quite expensive operations which may be difficult to 

keep funding over the long-term 

7.3.3 Tourism 

Hakaluki Haor has significant tourism potential. Scenically it is very picturesque with a landscape 

that changes dramatically between winter and summer months. The site is probably most attractive 

during the dry season after the flooding has receded leaving expansive open grassy plains dotted 

with many different sized water bodies which attract large numbers of wintering populations of 

birds especially migratory ducks. The perimeter of the ECA has its own charm characterised by 

rolling hills covered largely in tea gardens and rubber plantations. During the summer, the ECA 

turns into a large inland freshwater lake the sites of which can be enjoyed by a leisurely cruise on a 

local boat. 

The promotion of tourism at Hakaluki Haor is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will 

help to raise awareness throughout the country about the ecological and socio-economic importance 

of the ECA. Additionally, as Hakaluki Haor is a wintering site for birds of global significance there 

is also potential to promote the ECA within the region and even internationally especially among 

the bird watching community. Secondly, by involving appropriate community groups in tourism 

activities an alternative income generating source will be created and as a result the pressure of 

unsustainable activities on the ECA will be reduced. Thirdly, tourism can also help to generate 

funds to support the on-going management costs of the ECA. 





• Survey the ECA and identify suitable locations that have the potential to attract tourist for both 

domestic and international markets. Considerations should include: 

� Main features of attraction such as shrines, mosques, temples, hills, homesteads, forests, 

water bodies, rivers, wildlife, tea garden etc 

� Main activity associated with the location such as enjoying scenic beauty, picnicking, 

hiking, swimming, boating, hunting, angling, photography, bird watching, camping, 

shopping, student field visits, research 

� Available facilities such as hotels, shops, restaurants, toilets, water, electricity 

� Potential dangers including security risks 

� Accessibility by bus, car, motorbike, and boat 

� Presence of critical habitats and the implication that tourism activities may have on these 

sites 

� Social acceptance by the local community 

• Prepare a report which documents all this information including a map highlighting the key 

areas that hold potential for tourism within the ECA 

• Ensure that all tourism activities identified are low cost, environmentally sustainable, and ecofriendly 

• Assess the requirements for infrastructure development which have minimum environmental 

and ecological impacts on the ECA and which are relatively low cost 

• Assess the feasibility of establishing a resource/ information centre for tourists (and others) to 

visit in order to learn more about the ECA 

• Assess the feasibility of building bird watching towers as an immediate low cost initiation of a 

eco-tourism activity 

• Assess capacity of local community groups to undertake tourism activities and develop 

strategies aimed building capacity as required 

• Develop and initiate a small scale and low cost pilot tourism activity in close collaboration with 

local community groups and with the involvement of relevant local government agencies 

• Assess the feasibility of establishing a system whereby tourists are charged an entrance fee to 

visit the ECA 

• Identify other ways of generating direst income through tourism which can help support ongoing 

management of the ECA 


• Tourism becomes an economically viable and environmentally sustainable industry which 

supports the local community, as well as conservation efforts 

Constraints 

• Hakaluki Haor is not currently seen as a high priority site for the promotion of tourism activities 

• Considerable groundwork needs to be done before tourism activities can be initiated 

• Very little infrastructure is available in and around Hakaluki Haor which will support tourism 




7.3.4 Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods 

The communities living in and around Hakaluki Haor are one of the major sources of direct 

anthropogenic pressure impacting habitats, biodiversity, and resources of the ECA. The only real 

way to bring the local community alongside with the objectives of biodiversity conservation will be 

to provide them with alternative means of generating an income. However, the identification of 

alternative income generating activities should be an exercise that is undertaken with the full 

participation of relevant stakeholder groups in a manner that is meaningful such that it takes into 

consideration their lower economic status, restricted ability to make choices, and limited capacity to 

voice their concerns and interests. Essentially, choices concerning a change in livelihoods should be 

made by those, and only those, groups concerned. Otherwise, there will be no support for the 

process and any move to initiate (or support the initiation of) alternative IGA will ultimately fail in 

the long-term. 


• Identify other projects and programmes already working with local communities to introduce 

alternative income generating activities and develop mechanisms and strategies which build 

upon these efforts to support biodiversity conservation and natural resources management 

• In collaboration with local community groups and relevant government agencies identify 

suitable alternative income generating activities which can be effectively introduced. Consider 

options such as: 

� Aquaculture 

� Tourism activities 

� Fruit trees 

� Handicrafts 

� Honey 

� Bamboo and cane furniture 

� Organic farming 

� Medicinal plants gardens 

� Floating nurseries/ gardens 

• For each alternative income generating activity identified assess parameters such as: 

� Number of people involved 

� Productions potential 

� Power source required (electricity, 

gas) 

� Use of raw materials and potential 

impact on the environment 

� Potential income 

� Ownership 

cooperative) 

(private, family, 

� Division of labour (men, women, 

children) 

� Need for loan and credit schemes 

� Target market (self and community 

consumption, local market, regional 

market) 

� Marketing channel (self, middleman, 

organisation) 

� Licensing, permits, and taxes 

� Local government support 

� Involvement of local elite 

� Consistency with local values and 

beliefs 

• Explore the viability of introducing schemes such as micro-enterprise development, marketing, 

savings and credit which help provide financial security to local communities 

• Introduce a programme to monitor the effectiveness of newly introduced alternative income 

generating activities 

• Work with communities to address issues and problems identified as part of the monitoring 

programme 





• Communities are practising economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternative 

income generating activities which help minimise pressure on the natural resources of the ECA 

Constraints 

• Introducing alternative livelihoods may not necessarily reduce the prevalence and extent of 

unsustainable and destructive livelihood practices within the ECA 

• Support may not be forthcoming from local government and local elite 

• Introducing new approaches to generate income is often slow and benefits are usually not 

immediate 

7.4 Objective 4 - Legal, Policy and Institutional Issues 

7.4.1 Legal and Policy Issues 

The management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA must be closely aligned to the relevant political, 

legal, and institutional frameworks of the country. This will help ensure the viability of the 

management model developed, as well as its replicability and ultimately its long term success. 

The effective management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA will therefore require a thorough review 

and analysis of the relevant political, legal, and institutional frameworks. 


• Procure all relevant legal and policy documents 

• Review and analyse the effectiveness of BECA and the Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation Act in 

supporting the management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA 

• Identify gaps and weaknesses and develop recommendations which address these 

• Support, as required, actions necessary to amend these Acts 

• Review and analyse the effectiveness of relevant policy documents (such as the NCS, NEMAP, 

and NBSAP) in supporting the management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA 

• Identify gaps and weaknesses and develop recommendations which address these 

• Support, as required, actions necessary to amend such policy documents or support actions to 

develop new and more effective policy 


• The legal and policy framework of the Bangladesh is consistent with and effectively supports 

ECA management objectives 

Constraints 

• Incorporating change into legal and policy documents is often very difficult 

7.4.2 Capacity Building 

The effective management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA will be the primary responsibility of the 

ECA Management Unit (ECAMU) of the Department of Environment. One of the key issues often 

raised concerns the limited technical capacity that this Unit and the Department of Environment 




have in undertaking the momentous task of managing the conservation of Hakaluki Haor as an 

ECA. The concern also applies to the relevant partner government agencies with whom the DoE 

will closely associate to manage Hakaluki Haor. The issue of limited capacity applies not only at 

national level, but more importantly at the more local (District, Upazila, and Mouza) levels where 

the day-to-day implementation conservation management activities will be carried-out. 


• Define, as a collaborative process among relevant government agencies, the appropriate set of 

knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to effectively undertake the management of Hakaluki 

Haor as an ECA. 

• Identify existing institutional capacity and match these against the outcomes of the first 

management action above in order to obtain existing gaps and weaknesses in relation to the 

management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA 

• Prepare a comprehensive programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of relevant 

government agencies to more effectively manage Hakaluki Haor as an ECA 

• Identify the costs associated with the capacity building programme and proportion this 

accordingly among relevant government agencies 

• Identify priority training and capacity building needs and implement these as soon as feasibly 

possible 

• Recruit additional staff as required at both central and local levels (in the context of the 

government recruiting protocols) to support the effective management of Hakaluki Haor 


• The ECAMU has appropriate technical expertise and sufficient human resources to effectively 

manage Hakaluki Haor 

Constraints 

• Building the capacity of relevant central and local government agencies will require substantial 

time and financial resources which the Department of Environment and other government 

agencies may not have available to commit 

7.4.3 Information Management 

Efforts towards the sound and sustainable management of Hakaluki Haor as an ECA have generated 

and will continue to generate important ecological and sociological data. To effectively make use of 

this data to support on-going and future management activities, a comprehensive and integrated 

Information Management System (IMS) needs to be developed. The primary aim of the IMS will be 

to ensure effective and efficient information storage, retrieval, sharing, and dissemination. 


• Review and refine existing databases 

• Create additional databases to accommodate new field information 

• Ensure that database are maintained and regularly updated 

• Review and refine existing electronic and hard copy filing systems 

• Install a network in the ECAMU so that all staff are able to share and exchange information 

• Ensure that the ECAMU is connected to high speed Internet 




• Establish a reference library as part of the ECAMU to serve as a secondary information source 

for the Hakaluki Haor management team. Materials should include: 

� Reports, books, journals, periodicals, and magazines 

� Audio visual materials such as film, video, photos, posters, maps etc. 

� Historical records of the area 

• Include as part of the library a wide collection of materials covering the legal, political, 

ecological, biological, economic, social, and religious aspects of wetlands management and 

conservation. 

• Select materials which contain relevant local, national, regional, and international information 

• Ensure that relevant conventions are included in the library in particular the Ramsar Convention, 

but also the CBD and CITES 

• Continue to update the library as new and relevant information becomes available 

• Appoint a designated person responsible for managing the library 

• Use the Internet as a source of valuable information on wetlands management and conservation 

• Maintain, organise, and continue to update the database of photographs for Hakaluki Haor 


• An efficient and effective MIS is established at the ECAMU 

• Up-to-date conservation information is available at short notice 

Constraints 

• On-going technical capacity is required to maintain the MIS 

7.4.4 Replication 

In addition to the conservation of biodiversity and the sound and sustainable management of 

Hakaluki Haor natural resources, another important but less well recognised objective is to develop 

a workable model which can be replicated in coastal, freshwater wetland and other ecosystems 

throughout the country, including other sites recently nominated as ECAs. 


• Document the approaches and methodologies used for all conservation and management 

activities undertaken at Hakaluki Haor 

• Identify and document strengths and weaknesses associated with the approaches and 

methodologies adopted during the course managing 

• Develop recommendations for refinement and improvement of approaches and methodologies 

adopted 

• Document lessons learned and distribute to all relevant stakeholders and agencies involved 

throughout the country in protected area/ ECA management 

• Articulate the set of approaches and methodologies as a model that characterises successful and 

positive outcomes 

• Charge an individual (or individuals) with the responsibility of ensuring that the above 

management actions are properly documented 





• A suitable ECA management model is developed and available for application at other ECAs or 

similar ecosystems in Bangladesh 

Constraints 

• Many lessons learned only become apparent at much later stages in management 

implementation and are therefore difficult to document in the short-term 

• Individuals with the capacity to analyse and document lessons learned and build a model for 

replication are limited 

7.4.5 Institutional Set-up 

The management of ECAs in Bangladesh is still very much in its infancy and discussions are ongoing 

in terms of the most appropriate institutional mechanisms/ framework required to effectively 

undertake the task. 

Currently the responsibility to management ECAs in Bangladesh falls under the jurisdiction of the 

Ministry of Environment and Forest’s Department of Environment. There is currently no office or 

officer in the DoE directly mandated/ charged with overseeing the management of ECA in 

Bangladesh. 

In its efforts to manage Hakaluki Haor, the DoE has established a field office, referred to as the 

Ecologically Critical Area Management Unit (ECAMU) in the town of Kulaura, Moulvibazar 

District. This office is responsible for the implementation of day-to-day management of field 

conservation activities including collaboration with local community groups and relevant 

government agencies. One government officer known as the Ecologically Critical Area 

Management Officer has been appointed to the ECAMU which currently houses a team of technical 

experts whose costs are borne from external funding sources. The tenure of these technical experts 

is limited and within the next few years alternatives will need to be found if the management of 

Hakaluki Haor as an ECA is to realistically continue. 

The ECAMU is required to report directly to the DoE. While in principle this seems logical, it is not 

entirely consistent with the current District level government administration reporting lines. Further 

thought therefore needs to be accorded to the way in which the role of the ECAMU will dovetail 

with existing District and local level government frameworks. 


• Consider the feasibility of establishing an ECA coordinating office within the DoE to more 

effectively support the field-level management of Hakaluki Haor 

• Consider the possibility of appointing and training a full-time government officer responsible 

for heading the newly established ECA coordinating office within the DoE 

• Charge the head of the ECA coordinating office within the DoE with the responsibility of 

overseeing the development of an ECA management model than can be replicated throughout 

the country in support of biodiversity conservation and the sound and sustainable management 

of natural resources in Bangladesh 

• Consider appointing within the next few years additional and appropriately technically trained 

government personnel to the Hakaluki Haor ECAMU 




• Organise high-level discussions involving relevant government authorities to discuss the role 

and relationship of the Hakaluki Haor ECAMU 

• Identify and document the appropriate institutional mechanisms and frameworks under which 

the Hakaluki Haor ECAMU will operate including its level of authority, autonomy, reporting 

lines, and the structure of its working relationship with other government agencies 

• Ensure that all relevant parties and agencies are aware of the role and responsibilities to be 

played out by the ECAMU and that each has the opportunity to voice its concerns and interests 


• An office or similar structure is established in the DOE responsible for overseeing the 

management of ECA in Bangladesh 

• The roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines of the ECAMU are clearly articulated and 

endorsed by all relevant government authorities 

Constraints 

• Establishing new offices in government and appointing new staff is not always favourable 

received as it stretches already very limited resources 

7.4.6 Coordination Mechanisms 

The management of Hakaluki Haor will be underpinned by an approach aimed at drawing upon the 

resources, technical expertise, and experience of other agencies, institutions, and organisations 

working within the ECA or in a field related to conservation management. The DoE will therefore 

lead the implementation of conservation activities in close coordination and collaboration with as 

many relevant agencies, institutions, and organisations necessary to support sound and sustainable 

management of Hakaluki Haor. This will also help to avoid duplication and overlap of activities and 

as a result save money, time, and resources. 


• Identify all the key agencies, institutions, and organisations that are working in and around 

Hakaluki Haor or that can contribute to conservation management activities 

• Describe the existing nature of the resources, technical expertise, and experience that these 

agencies, institutions, and organisations can bring to the management of Hakaluki Haor 

• Initiate discussions with relevant agencies, institutions, and organisations 

• Articulate the roles and responsibilities of each agency, institution, and organisation that will be 

involved 

• Establish, where necessary and feasible, official partnerships with relevant agencies, institutions, 

and organisations by drawing-up agreements 


• Coordination arrangements are established with all relevant agencies, institutions, and 

organisations 


Constraints 



• Some agencies, institutions, and organisations may not be cooperative unless there is a financial 

incentive to become involved 

• Monitoring the activities of partner agencies, institutions, and organisations may be difficult and 

sensitive 

7.4.7 Sustainable Funding Mechanisms 

The on-going and long-term management of Hakaluki Haor will largely be dependent upon whether 

or not adequate funding resources are made available. For this reason common practice around the 

world is shifting towards approaches that promote the development of funding mechanisms that are 

sustainable and which, as a result, do not put a strain on the often limited financial resources of the 

government. A significant portion of the funds which are supporting the efforts to manage Hakaluki 

Haor are currently provided from external sources. Within the next few years this funding will cease 

and unless alternatives are identified, there is a strong likelihood that conservation activities will be 

severely compromised and that many of the efforts aimed at protecting the biodiversity, 

rehabilitating the ECA, and improving the living conditions of local communities will be 

jeopardised. 

Identifying and implementing mechanisms that will help generate the funds to sustainably manage 

the ECA is therefore not only urgent, but also an integral part of the overall management 

framework. 


• Assess the total minimum amount of funds necessary to effectively manage Hakaluki Haor as an 

ECA 

• Determine what level of funding that will be forthcoming from the government and calculate 

what amount will need to be sought from other sources 

• Undertake research into the range of sustainable funding mechanisms options available for 

protected area management and determine which are the most feasible for application at 

Hakaluki Haor. Options could include: 

� Rotating funds 

� Taxes 

� ECA entrance fees 

� Fishing licences 

� Hunting licences 

� Tourism operator licences 

� Postcards, T-shirts, books, posters 

and other ECA promotion 

paraphernalia 

� Donation boxes 

� Guided tour fees 

• Identify one or two sustainable funding mechanisms options that can easily be introduced as a 

test run 

• Introduce selected sustainable funding mechanisms options, monitor progress, and adapt as 

necessary 

• Document lessons learned and develop recommendations for improvement 


• A significant portion of the funds required to effectively manage the ECA are generated through 

established sustainable funding mechanisms 


Constraints 



• There may not be the appropriate technical expertise to effectively research and introduce 

sustainable funding mechanisms for Hakaluki Haor 

• Sustainable funding mechanisms, even if successful, may not generate the required level of 

funding required to manage Hakaluki Haor over the long-term 

7.4.8 Economic Evaluation 

Very little is known about the net worth of Hakaluki Haor in terms of the full range of services and 

benefits provided by the ecosystem. In most cases, ecosystem services and benefits are grossly 

undervalued and as a result attention accorded to conservation activities are not given the 

importance, urgency and priority that they should be. At Hakaluki Haor every component of the 

ecosystem holds value from the fish, wildlife, and trees to beels, rivers, canals and floodplains. 

Swamp forests for example act as carbon sinks, stabilise soil and prevent erosion, filter 

contaminated water, provide shelter for fish and other wildlife, are used as feeding grounds for fish, 

and are a source of fuelwood. Direct beneficiaries are most obviously the local community groups 

living in and around the ECA. However, benefits and services are far wider than this. A healthy 

ecosystem not only contributes to the health and prosperity of the local people, but also to the nation 

as a whole. This is probably best illustrated by highlighting that Hakaluki Haor is one of the 

country’s largest mother fishery, as well as its fourth largest fishery. 


• Undertake a natural resource economic valuation for Hakaluki Haor including: 

� An identification and assessment of both the direct and indirect use values of the goods and 

services provided by the ecosystem 

� An identification of how different stakeholders benefits from the goods and services of 

Haor ecosystem 

� An estimation of the total economic value of the ecosystem 

� The development of a wetland bio-economic model 

� The formulation of economic and financial instruments which support the sustainable and 

wise use of biodiversity and ultimately the sound and sustainable management of Hakaluki 

Haor as an ECA 

� Recommendations which outline best practice in applying the formulated economic and 

financial instruments specifically for the sound and sustainable management of Hakaluki 

Haor. 

• Organise high level government meetings to present the findings of the report 

• Use the approach and methodology of the valuation as a basis upon which similar exercises can 

be undertaken for other ECAs and ecosystems throughout the country 


• Economic evaluation tools are being used to support the management of Hakaluki Haor and the 

conservation of biodiversity 

Constraints 

• Accurate results for economic evaluations are difficult to obtain and are often controversial 




7.4.9 Monitoring and Evaluation 

The monitoring and evaluating (M&E) of on-going efforts to manage Hakaluki Haor as an ECA is a 

potentially powerful tool that can be used to enhance overall performance by improving 

effectiveness and efficiency of day-to-day and on-the-ground implementation of conservation 

activities. In addition, the lessons learned from the M&E process can be fed back into management 

planning as a way supporting the development of replicable ECA management model for 

Bangladesh. M&E will therefore be an important, as well as integral part of the management 

process for Hakaluki Haor. Integrity of the M&E process will be maintained by appointing an 

external team. 


• Identify the M&E team taking into account capacity, skill and technical expertise 

• Develop terms of reference for each member of the team 

• Determine the duration and number of M&E missions to be conducted each year 

• Articulate the aims and objectives of each M&E mission 

• Articulate the approach and methodology to be used for each M&E mission 

• Develop strategies to involve community groups and relevant government agencies as part of 

each M&E mission 

• Develop monitoring indicators 

• After each mission document weaknesses and gaps and develop recommendations which 

address these issues and improve overall performance 

• After each mission document lessons learned and make these available to the relevant 

individual(s) charged with developing a replicable ECA management model for Bangladesh 


• Monitoring and Evaluation is integrated into the management framework of Hakaluki Haor and 

is used to strengthen and improve conservation efforts 

Constraints 

• Adopting change based on results from M&E missions is often met with resistant and not 

effectively incorporated into operations and decision making processes 

• Regular M&E missions place a significant drain on financial resources 


8. REFERENCES 



1) Ainun Nishat, Zakir Hussain, Monoj K. Roy, and Ansarul Karim, (1993). Freshwater 

Wetlands in Bangladesh: Issues and Approaches for Management. IUCN-The World 

Conservation Union. Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

2) Phillips, Adrian, (2002). Management Guidelines for IUCN Category V Protected Areas: 

Protected Landscapes/ Seascapes. IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. 

3) Thomas, Lee and Middleton, Julie (2003). Guidelines for Management Planning of Protected 

Areas. IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. 

4) Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania (2000). Best Practice in Protected Area Management 

Planning. ANZECC Working Group on National Parks and Protected Area Management 

Benchmarking and Best Practice Program. Tasmania, Australia. 

5) Centre for Natural Resources Studies (DATE). Biophysical and Socioeconomic 

Characterisation of Hakaluki Haor: Step Towards Building Community Consensus on 

Sustainable Wetland Resource Management. Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

6) Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme, and Government of the 

People’s Republic of Bangladesh (DATE). Project Document: Coastal and Wetland 

Biodiversity Management at Cox’s Bazar and Hakaluki Haor. Project BGD/99/G31 Dhaka, 

Bangladesh.

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