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Restoring Wetland Environments and Biodiversity: Lessons from Mach

Directorate
Management of Aquatic ecosystems through Community Husbandry, Winrock International, Dhaka, House No. 2, Road No. 23/A, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The biodiversity within an ecosystem is dependent upon the quality of the habitat. Bangladesh's floodplains remain wetlands but much of the habitat is degraded. Dysfunction in the system is a major reason for the declining diversity of fish and other fauna and flora. In turn this reduces the diversity and resilience of livelihoods of people, especially the poor, who depend on those wetlands. Restoration of habitat can take years to accomplish (e.g. 15-20 years in the US where natural processes are allowed to perform the restoration) and the resultant expected increases in biodiversity can take even longer. Full restoration to historical conditions is most often not possible because of human needs and requirements. The biodiversity within an ecosystem is dependent upon the quality of the habitat. Bangladesh's floodplains remain wetlands but much of the habitat is degraded. Dysfunction in the system is a major reason for the declining diversity of fish and other fauna and flora. In turn this reduces the diversity and resilience of livelihoods of people, especially the poor, who depend on those wetlands. Restoration of habitat can take years to accomplish (e.g. 15-20 years in the US where natural processes are allowed to perform the restoration) and the resultant expected increases in biodiversity can take even longer. Full restoration to historical conditions is most often not possible because of human needs and requirements.

Keywords: Technical feasibility, Positive biodiversity, Social acceptance, RMOs, Local Government Committee

Location: In Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Conservation and Biodiversity

Commodity: Environmental change, Livelihood

Objectives:

To ensure technical feasibility, positive biodiversity impacts and social acceptance, the selected schemes were endorsed by the concerned RMOs and Local Government Committee

Methodology:

Manual excavation methods that generate employment for the poor are preferable, but due to late or early rains often this is only possible when wetlands dry out completely during a short period in February-March. Consequently, in most years only part of the planned excavation could be completed. Moreover, some locations are never feasible for excavation by manual labor due to deep slushy soils. In these situations, locally made dredgers have been used, for example in Baikka Beel sanctuary in Hail Haor. But mechanical problems can make progress slow, and careful attention is needed for managing the spoil and for verification of work. Very few contractors are presently capable of providing efficient customized small-scale dredging services of this nature. Over a million fish of 15 native species that can naturally reproduce within the floodplain and do not rely on river connections were released by MACH into restored wetlands. The main contribution to increased fish biodiversity has been the natural recovery of locally scarce species through protection and habitat restoration. Releases helped species such as Ayre and Chitol to reestablish in the restored habitat, but success depends on having a source for relatively abundant wild-caught fry that is within 100 km and on skilled handling of the fry in transit. Tree planting: 605,365 saplings of 56 species were planted by MACH up to the end of 2005, 21% were Hijal and Koroch planted to restore swamp and wetland border forests. These species need to be raised in nurseries until at least 5 feet (1.5 m) tall if they are to survive inundation when planted out, and with their slow growth should be seen as an ecological investment not a source of income. Trees planted along the stream and river banks (riparian planting) achieve faster growth and is a source of income, bank stabilization, and biodiversity enhancement.

Source of Information: MACK Policy Brief-3

Article Link (Online Journal): www.machban.org

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Restoration of wetland habitats and conservation measures such as sanctuaries and closed seasons have not only increased fish catch per hectare by about 140% between 1999 (baseline) and 2004, but have helped to restore populations of several locally rare fish species. Impacts depend on the location, but examples of species that have shown relatively large increases in catches include Foli and Gozar in Hail Haor, Chapil and Guzi Air in Turag-Bangshi and Bata in Kangsha-Malijee sites. Now over 80 species of fish are caught each year in each of these wetlands. As all species are consumed this diversity and quantity have improved the diets of local people, including the poor. Regular monitoring of a panel of households revealed that by 2004 fish consumption was on average 52% higher than before MACH started, at 17.5 kg/person/year in 2004. In Hail Haor the wintering waterbird population in the permanent sanctuary of Baikka Beel has increased dramatically since it was protected. Where only a few hundred birds of 16-18 species were found in 2003 and 2004, there were almost 7,000 waterbirds of 33 species in February 2006, mostly migratory ducks but these also attracted scarcer species such as eagles and ibises. This wildlife is attracting human visitors also, offering the RMO and community an opportunity to earn something from eco-tourism.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings