Draft CMP HH - the Department of Environment

Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project BGD/99/G31
Hakaluki Haor Draft Conservation Management Plan
• 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
• Develop an M&E framework which uses biological indicators to assess the effectiveness of the
sanctuaries for biodiversity conservation and more particularly species recovery
Primary Outcome/ Output
• 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
• Obtaining permission from local land-owners and relevant government agencies may prove slow
and cumbersome
• 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.
Management Actions
• 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)
Prepared by UNOPS Consultant Mr. Sulma Warne August/ September 2005 for Project BGD/99/G31 22