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Co-management Approach on Fisher Group: a Case Study on Ramsar Site, Tanguar Haor in Bangladesh

Pulakesh Mondal
Assistant Chief
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.

Marion Glaser
ZMT, Bremen, Germany

Ainun Nishat
IUCN, Bangladesh Of office, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Annette Breckwoldt
University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

In Bangladesh, wetlands are managed through leasing system traditionally from time immemorial. Recently the Government accepted co-management approach for wetland fisheries management and this approach is being practiced in few wetlands for maximize revenue income. A study was carried out to evaluate trend and impact of co-management in Tanguar haor (a Ramsar site wetland) on fisheries resources and livelihood of resident people in the immediate vicinity of the wetland. In Tanguar haor, conflict between leaseholders and the local community was a common phenomenon in the past. Since 2003 the district administration of Sunamganj has been managing the vast wetland resources, however, local people participation was ignored in haor management system. Average monthly fish catch of fishermen increased by 17% after introduction of co- management system and 7 fish species reappeared after introduction of co-management. Average monthly volume of fish catch has increased from 70 kg to 87 kg. A well-defined management structure has been developed for integration of all people of Tanguar haor which would enable them to raise voice jointly and influence policy in their favour.

Keywords: Co-management, Wetland, Fishers

Location: Sunamganj district

Start Date: 00-08-2009

End Date: 00-01-2010

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Fish

Objectives:

To evaluate the performance of the co-management system, especially co-management on fisheries resource in a Ramsai site where the government is committed to implement the Ramsar guidelines.

Methodology:

This study was carried out during August 2009 to January 2010. For this study data collection methods was performed using of personal questionnaire surveys and Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRA) including direct field observations. Selection of study sites was done considering cluster of fisherman in and around the wetland areas within a convenient distance. The study was conducted in eight villages (Indrapur, Mandiata, Lamagao, Jayantri, Rupnagar, Majharchara, Ranchi and Cowhant) of the Dharmapasa and Tahirpur Upazilas (sub-districts) of the Sunamganj district. The villages were chosen on the basis of close proximity to Tanguar haor and were selected purposively assuming the the people of these villages are more dependent on the wetland resources in comparison to the villages that are further away from Tanguar haor. The semi-structured interviews and in-depth interviews were undertaken in all eight villages. The sample design was prepared on the basis of base line census survey by IUCN. Based on the census information, a total of 80 fishermen and 40 fishmongers were initially selected for the survey. A total of 128 households were considered for the survey. Primary data was collected by field surveys using semi-structured questionnaire with the households and the key informants. Informal group discussions with people from different walks of life and direct field observations through field visits have been conducted also. PRA, such as Time Line and Trend Analysis, Seasonal Calendar and field observation were used to gather primary information from the local community. In this study, 4 FGDs were conducted at 4 different Unions. Member of the Union Adhoc committee, fisherman, fish monger and local people of other occupations were the participants of the FGD. The participants were invited in advance to a specific place on a specific date and time. Discussions were conducted in the Union council office. Two officials from partner NGOs (CNRS and ERA) helped in organizing the groups.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Fisheries Research, June-Dec. 2010, Vol.14(1-2), pp:103-114, ISSN:1026-6690.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

To prevent further degradation and over exploitation of fisheries resources better management is imperative. The present study finds that the haor resources are improving chronologically after the present management authority took over the management of the haor. Local people are satisfied with the existing management system because local community has been included in resources utilization. Majority of the respondents in the co-management practices considered their participation as "very important". The pilot scale efforts implemented in the Tanguar haor in regard to co-management and benefit sharing are landmark achievements. A close interrelationship and interdependence between the haor and the local community has been identified in this study. The local people intend to establish their rights of resource utilization from which they have been deprived for a long period of time. Some or them have allegations against the existing management authority because the poor locals are often harassed and oppressed by the law enforcing forces.

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