Before and After: Wetlands Conservation Pays Off

Before: Hail Haor wetlands in 1999 -- Over the last 150 years, approximately 50% of dry season wetlands have disappeared, resulting in lower fish production. Environmental changes, such as flood embankments and large silt deposits have reduced the area and quality of water bodies in Bangladesh.
(Photo: MACH Project).

Despite its small area, the inland freshwater fish production of Bangladesh ranks third in the world. With extensive rivers and floodplains, over half of the country consists of wetlands which provide food and income for millions of rural households. However, the rate of diminishing natural resources in Bangladesh is alarming. Over the past 30 years, fishermen’s yields have decreased by 40% due to disappearing water sources. Moreover, most existing wetlands are managed by central government with a focus on maximizing short-term revenue, often resulting in over-fishing. The poorest populations are hit the hardest as their livelihoods depend heavily upon these natural resources throughout the country.

For five years, USAID has worked together with fishers, local leaders and local government to conserve and rehabilitate aquatic habitats. The key to success has been the effective partnership between community resource management groups and local government. Together, they oversee long-term conservation of these precious resources and ensure that the revenue and food supply generated benefits the poor people in these communities.

After: Hail Haor in 2006 – This site has been restored by excavating new channels to improve the flow of water and fish from larger rivers. Community management groups now control dry-season fishing. As a result, new species of fish have been reintroduced which increase production, consumption and income levels.
(Photo: MACH Project).

This community-level partnership has created more than 70 fish sanctuaries and established a no-fishing policy during the dry season to allow fish to repopulate. As a result, local fishermen have seen their yields increase by over 150% and generate more than $10 million worth of fish in 2005 alone. Greater production also means that poor people were able to eat 50% more fish. These conservation efforts have significantly impacted the savings accounts and food baskets of poor people in Bangladesh.

Read more about USAID/Bangladesh's Success Stories.

Learn more about USAID/Bangladesh's Environmental programs.