Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor Project, Phase-III

National Wetlands Network Workshop on

The Conservation and Management of Tanguar Haor Venue: BRAC INN, Dhaka Date: 22 June 2014

Draft Proceedings Report of the workshop on the Conservation and Management of Tanguar Haor Introduction

A. Background: 1. National wetland network, under the auspices of IUCN Bangladesh, organized a

national workshop on the conservation and management of the Tanguar Haor in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and Forest (GoB) and HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Bangladesh on 22 June 2014 at BRAC INN Centre, Dhaka. Participants from Governments, international organizations, local NGOs, local community representatives, experts, scientists attended the workshop to discuss management challenges of the Tanguar Haor, country’s largest wetland area of International importance, and to suggest plausible solutions.

2. Tanguar Haor (TH) is the country’s leading internationally significant freshwater wetland. The Haor territory spans over the two Upazilas (sub-districts) of Tahirpur and Dharmapasha in the Sunamganj District (under the Sylhet Division) covering more than 10,000 hectares supporting at least 60,000 population. This haor was designated as the Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) in 2000. The Government of Bangladesh classified it as an “Ecologically Critical Area” to highlight its ecological importance and to monitor its environmental quality in 1999. Tanguar Haor holds outstanding values not only for supporting high population with livelihoods from its freshwater ecosystems but also for being a remarkable depository of migratory and resident waterfowls ranging from 60,000-120,000 annually, diverse biodiversity of 140 fish species and being the last vestiges of freshwater evergreen swamp forest.

B. Participation:

1. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed, Country Representative; IUCN Bangladesh and Syeed Mahmud Riadh, Project manager, CBSMTH project moderated the meeting. Mr. Tofazzel Hossain, Deputy Secretary, MoEF & NPD, CBSMTH project was the key note speaker in the workshop.

2. A total of 53 Participants from the following organization attended the day long workshop : Ministry of Land, Ministry of Forest, Water Development Board, Haor and Wetland Development Board, IUCN, PADMA, Dhaka University, Sylhet University of Science and Technology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Independent University, CARINAMBD, GIZ, Arannayak Foundation, CNRS, North South University , CEGIS, HEVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, HIS, ERA, TARA, CDP, Ministry of Food, Bengal Tours , BRAC, Jahangir Nagar University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), SDC. [ A full list of participants with their organizational affiliation is given at the end of the report as annex 1]

3. The workshop was divided into three technical sessions along with inaugural and concluding sessions. Every technical session had focused on a particular theme and a paper was presented on the particular issue followed by an open discussion. [ The Programme schedule is given in Annex 2]

4. The workshop was opened at 10.30 am on 22 June 2014 by welcome addressing of

Sayeed Mahmud Riadh, Project Manager of Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor (CBSMTH) project. In the inaugural session, Mr. Zahid Hossian Munshi, Policy and Institutional Support Coordinator, CBSMTH project presented a paper on the present management of Tanguar Haor. In key note paper, Mr. Tofazzel Hossian , Deputy Secretary (MoEF) and national Project Director of CBSMTH described the how he involved with this project and also shared government view and plan regarding Tanguar Haor. Representative from SDC and Haor and Wetland Development Board also presented their work on Tanguar Haor and urged for an integrated management of Tanguar Haor. The inaugural session was concluded by the speech of Mr. Istiaq Uddin Ahmed, Country Representative of IUCN, who chaired the session.

5. First technical session was started after tea break at 11.30 am. The theme of the session was Livelihood Improvement and Market Extension. The session was moderated by Mr. M. Mokhlesur Rahman, Executive Director, CNRS. Mr. Shamim Ahmed, Deputy Director of HELVETAS Intercooprtaion presented the key note paper on Livelihood and Market extension in the Tanguar Haor. Later an open discussion was held on the topic and presentation.

6. Second technical session focused on Research and Study on the Tanguar Haor. Dr. Istiak Sobhan of IUCN discussed on different aspect and approaches of research o the Tanguar haor. The session was moderated by Dr. Md. Rezaur Rhaman from BUET.

7. Final and third technical session started after lunch break at 2.15 pm and the session focused on wetland governance and co-management. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan of Dhaka University presented a paper on the Tanguar Haor Management Plan Framework. The session was moderated by Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed of IUCN Bangladesh.

8. The Concluding session was chaired by Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. In this session all the three moderators presented their sum-up report for the technical sessions. Finally the workshop ended with concluding remarks from the chair Dr. Mihir Kanti Mazumdar .

C. Organization of the Workshop: 1. In opening speech, Mr. Syeed Mahmud Riadh gave a brief introduction of CBSMTH

project. He informed that Tanguar haor is a wetland of both national and international Importance. The haor is world’s 1031st and country’s 2nd Ramsar site. As a part of conservation of valuable biodiversity of the wetland, Two Bird sanctuary, Five fish sanctuary and fish modalities already established under this project. The project has been promoting co-management in this area. He further informed that current project phase is going to culminate in June 2015. He recalled importance of continuation of the project for sustainable resource management of the area. He urged for establishment of Tanguar Haor Management Authority for effective management.

2. Mr. Zahid Hossain Munshi presented a progress report on the CBSMTH project. There are 88 villages around Tanguar Haor under the coverage of the project. A total of 9727 ha of the wetland is declared as Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in 1999. In dry season only 25-30% of the area remains under water but in rainy season whole area looks like a sea. The Tanguar Haor is rich in biodiversity and it supports livelihood to thousands people living around the area. People living in the Haor area are overwhelmingly dependent on the haor for livelihood. Almost 93% people are engaged with fishing and agriculture. However, they are poor and their monthly income ranges in between 1500 and 5000 taka only. Tanguar haor has been facing a number of challenges; illegal poaching, over exploitation, conflict with previous leaseholder. But flash flood in the early monsoon is the biggest threat for agriculture and livelihood in the area. He informed that widely practiced lease system was abolished in 2001 and since then the wetland resources are managed by district administration. In 2004 IUCN intervened in the area and started implementing a co-management model. He also informed that as a part of exit strategy IUCN has been

working to develop a management plan framework which is about to finalise. Alongside, Tanguar haor Management Authority Act Draft prepared and now the draft is open for opinion of the stakeholders.

3. Mr. Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed, Country Representative of IUCN admitted lack of progress

of the wetland network. By recapping history of the network he informed that it was first planned under NISHORGO network but could not gain momentum. Mr. Ishtiaq Uddin identified a number of factors responsible for wetland degradation such as unplanned development, industrial waste, poverty and lack of mass awareness. Consequently, wetland biodiversity is under serious threat. He regrettably informed that yet there is no inventory of wetland biodiversity, which is limiting a scientific management of wetlands. While discussing on Tanguar Haor’s current management system, he allegedly said that yet many forces are active to return to previous lease system. Tanguar Haor needs an inclusive consensus based governance system but it should be dynamic to capture demand of time. Income diversity is another important area which needs further improvement to reduce pressure on existing resources. Ecotourism could be option in this regard. But tourism has to be sensible and controlled, otherwise wetland biodiversity will face additional challenges.

4. As a new national project director of CBSMTH, Mr. Tofazzel Hossian has mentioned that Government also considers Tanguar Haor as an important wetland and prioritized Tanguar Haor project in the Five year planning. He reiterate government’s willingness to integrate expert recommendation in tanguar haor management.

5. In the first technical session, representative from HELVETAS presented a paper on

Livelihood Improvement and Market Extension. Mr. M. Mokhlesur Rahman, Executive Director, CNRS moderated the session. The representative presented a livelihood framework that has been under practice in the Tanguar Haor by the organization. He informed that fish and vegetable value chain assessment already done along with developing a three year livelihood improvement plan. Under the livelihood improvement plan, income and growth assessment has been underway at regular interval. Couple of skill enhancement trainings were conducted. For better market accessibility producer groups were formed and they were linked to private sector. In addition to existing practices, new technologies were introduced, new crop varieties were presented before farmers, new fish landing stations were established. All these interventions created positive result to the livelihood of the haor people. However, challenges exist in the haor area. Remoteness still hindering growth of some livelihood intervention and market. In recommendation the representative opined that both horizontal and vertical expansion of the approach are needed for new areas and levels. While promoting economic development, it is also imperative that the project should not forget the ecosystem conservation

aspect that is inbuilt. Economic activities have to be implemented in an environmentally sustainable way taking care of the natural resources. 5.1. The presentation was followed by an open discussion session. In

response to questions from Seikh Minzanur Rahman of Forest Department, Abdul Quddus of Arannyak Foundation and Mr. Tofazzel Hossain, Deputy Secretary, MoEF on conflict between livelihood practice and resource conservation, the representative from HELVETAS argued that it is always difficult to maintain ecosystem integrity while allowing livelihood practice to local community as of their demand, but HELVETAS has been continuously working to promote environmentally responsible livelihood practices . They, therefore, introduced high yielding rice verities along with introducing improved fish catching technologies. Moreover, one fish landing station was, 19% of which operational cost is being borne by the project, established for better market access and monitoring illegal catch. However, scarcity of fuel is one of the biggest challenges yet to be addressed under the project. [ full question and answer session report is included as annex 3]

6. Dr. Istiak Sobhan of IUCN presented a brief status of Research and Study on Tanguar Haor in the second technical session. Dr. Md. Rezaur Rahman, Professor, Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM), BUET moderated the session. Under auspices of IUCN, couple of studies already conducted on wide range of issues that include fish, birds biodiversity, reed forest, socio-economic status, DRR, Gender, value chain assessment, hydrology, co-management structure. A good number of independent researches were also conducted by universities, research organizations and various NGOs on different aspects of haor and people. Despite such research and studies, many issues still need more in-depth understanding. Since tanguar is complex both from resource generation and ecological structure, longitudinal study on resource and biodiversity pattern is important for developing and implementing sustainable resource management plan. The presenter also admits need for future researches on different aspects of resource and people of tanguar haor. He stated that many studies are ongoing and few are forthcoming on issues like biodiversity status, tansboundary resource management, land use change, climate change adaptation, sedimentation process, hydrological regime management etc.

6.1 . An open discussion was followed the presentation. Representative from Dhaka

university, SUST, Sylhet Agriculture University, TARA, Jahangirnagar University, SDC

took part in the discussion along with asking questions to the presenter. In response

to a question on Haor master plan by Dr. Zahangir Hossain, Dr. Istiak Sobhan

informed that the master plan yet to be finalized and implemented by Haor

development Board. But CBSMTH project is very open to accept recommendation

from the plan. The discussants opined that a vision document is necessary for

sustainable development planning of Tanguar Haor. Researches on different issues

should be intensified in collaboration with different universities, research

organizations and NGOs. They discouraged further resettlement in the haor area but

emphasized on more study on socio-economic issues including livelihood

enhancement.

7 . The final technical session focused on wetland governance in Bangladesh. Dr. Niaz Ahmed

Khan has presented a paper on “ Co-management in Bangladesh: some reflections and food

for thought”. The session was moderated by Mr. Mokhlesur Rahman,Executive

Director,CNRS. In his presentation, Dr. Khan has presented a few issues and challenges of

Co- management as practised in Bangladesh. He argued that co-management system has to

be carefully implemented because multiple authorities may give rise to multiple

complexities. Moreover, inadequate resources (HR, Logistics), low capacity among the

concerned organizations will result in conflict between resource conservation and

sustainable use. He also recommended that engaging community for resource protection

and enforcement should be done in a way which is acceptable to the society. Customary

claims of natural resources should be admitted to a certain level. On the contrary, factors

that are limiting collective action: factors inhibiting social cohesion, political strife should be

addressed clearly and carefully handled.

7.1. A discussion session was organized after the presentation. Many issues were

discussed relating to governance of tanguar haor. In response to queries of Tarique

Hasan of GIZ and DR. Zashim Uddin of Dhaka University on co-management, Dr. Khan

argued that co-management is basically an western concept, but there is always a

scope to utilize it for better resource management. Most definitions of co-management

have problems in capturing the complexity, variation and dynamic nature of

contemporary systems of governance. Considering cross scale attributes of natural

resource management different challenges need to be solved simultaneously at

different levels. Dr. Rezaur Rhaman argued that local community groups formed under

different projects later become dysfunctional following inactivity of the mother

organization. Therefore, establishing co-management in TH will require a long term

process. Representative from TARA, HELVETAS, SDC, Sylhet Agriculture University also

took part in discussion. The discussants emphasized on establishing an well-functioning

co-management system in Tanguar Haor. They argued that collaboration in research

and management sharing is very important for ensuring good governance at tanguar

haor. Most importantly, Sanctuary demarcation in TH should be done appropriately

along with designing and endorsing social and ecological boundaries of TH.

D. Conclusion:

In the concluding session moderators from three technical sessions presented their

summary. The session was chaired by Dr. Niaz Ahmed khan, Professor and Chair,

Department of Development Studies, Dhaka University. A number of recommendations

were came out for the moderators summary and participants opinion. The workshop

recommends that government should not back to wetland leasing system which

contributes only 0.07% of total revenue collection. The CBSMTH project should continue

for another few years for establishing a sustainable resource management regime at

Tanguar Haor. If the project winds-up at this moment, many of the achievements may not

reach their culmination. But a through stakeholder analysis should be carried to redefine

key stakeholder to reduce management complexities. Research should be intensified on

different aspects of Tanguar haor and widely dissemination . Moreover, recommendations

of MTR should be shared to all relevant experts associated with CBSMTH activities. Finally

the workshop urges on the functioning of Wetlands network which could act as a platform

for sharing ideas on sustainable wetland management.

Annex 1: Participants List:

Community Based Sustainable Management of Tanguar Haor Project, Phase-III National Wetlands Network Workshop on The Conservation and Management of Tanguar Haor Venue: BRAC INN, Dhaka Date: 22 June 2014

Participant List

Participant name Organization Designation

Mr. Ruhul Amin PADMA- Sunamgonj CEO

Md. Abdus Sattar Land Land Zoning project, Ministry of Land

Fisheries Specialist

Md. Mehedi Hasan CBSMTH, IUCN Assistant Project Officer

Dr. Muhammad Jahangir Hussian -- Independent Consultant

Syed Mahmud Riadh CBSMTH, IUCN Project Manager

Ms. Farzana Taskin CARINAM BD

Md. Wahiduzzaman IUCN

Mr. Akter Hussain Dhaka University

Md. Abul Kalam Azad IUCN

Mohammad Mosarraf Hossain Sylhet Agriculture University Assistant Professor

Tarique Hasan GIZ Senior Advisor

Mr. Muklesur Rahman CNRS Executive Director

M. Naimul Nasar Dhaka University

Mohammad Abdul Quddus Arannayak Foundation Senior Programme Officer

Mohammed Abdul Baten Independent University Lecturer

Mr. Zahid Hasan HELVITAS

Md. Sharif Hossain CEGIS Ecologist

Mr. Shamim Ahmed HIS, Dhaka Deputy Programme Director

Zahid Hossain Munshi IUCN

Md. Abdul Alim IUCN

Mr. Tofazzel Hossain MOEF Deputy Secretary

Shaikh Mizanur Rhaman Forest Department

Md. Sirazul Islam ERA

Junain Kabir Chowdhury Independent Consultant

Khokan Sikdar CDP Associate Coordinator

Munir Ahmed TARA

Abu Masud Sayeed IUCN

Md. Ruhul Amin Talukdar MoFDM Deputy Secretary

Masud Hossain Bengal Tours

Shamim Ara Begum IUCN

Iqbal Hossain IUCN

Tanzeba . A. Huq BRAC Head, Disaster, Environment

and Climate Change

MoyeenUddin Ahmed BRAC Senior Programme Specialist, DECC

Dr. Md Sirazul Islam North South University Associate Professor

Dr. Belal Uddin SUST Associate Professor

Md. Shahidul Haque IUCN

Wasim Newaz IUCN

Anirban Sarkar Jahangir Nargar University Department of Zoology

DR. Rezaur Rahman BUET Professor, IWFM

Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan Development Studies, Dhaka University

Professor and Chair

Dr. Mihir Kanti Mazumdar IUCN

Dr. Muhammad Zasim Uddin Dhaka University

Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed IUCN Country Representative

Istiak Sobhan IUCN Programme Coordinator

Farid Hasan SDC

Annex 2: Programme Schedule

Annex 3: Report on Discussion session (s)

Technical Session 1: Livelihoods Improvement and Market Extension Moderator: Mr. M. Mukhlesur Rahman, Executive Director, CNRS

Presentation by Mr. Shamim Ahmed, Deputy Programme Director, HELVETAS Swiss

Intercooperation Bangladesh

Q/A & Observation

Mr. Sheikh Mizanur Rahman, Forest Department

Q: Crop diversification, fish fattening etc are conflicting to conservation of natural resources as

well as ecosystem integrity which serves the main objective of CBSMTH project. What is your

point in reference to your presentation?

A: − It is always challenging to integrate livelihood improvement activity with ecosystem under

any project particularly in TH where most of the people depend on TH resources and hence

illegal fishing is still continuing there.

− Helvetas is trying to introduce local and rare species to adapt with TH ecosystem. Fellow

lands near TH are being used for cultivation.

− And it is almost difficult to ensure 100% ecosystem integrity unless whole population of

TH is migrated.

Mr. Kuddus, Arannayak Foundation

Q1: What is current situation of short duration rice variety introduced in TH?

Q2: What measures CBSMTHP are taking to meet the demand of fuel in Tanguar haor (TH)?

Q3: What would be the nature of fish landing center as mentioned in your presentation?

Q4: Is there any prospect of diary milk in TH?

A: −Under the current project, IUCN is suggesting two varieties of rice which are also available

to BADC.

− There is no initiative under CBSMTHP to meet the demand for fuel. But efforts are being

given with limited resources.

− Establishing a fish landing center will gather fishermen to trade fish in a short distance

provided with ice facility. This would eventually help to stop fish tendering.

− Although there is no such initiative for diary milk marketing but it may be considered

through the next value chain analysis.

−

Ms. Olena Reza, Senior Programme Manager, BCAS

Q: What is the condition of health, food security in TH? Is there any intervention from

CBSMTHP?

A: CBSMTHP activities are not focusing on health and food security. But the VGF distribution

program covers some parts of food security.

Mr. Tofazzel Hossain, Deputy Secretary, MoEF and NPD, CBSMTHP

Q1: What is the state of ownership to fish fattening pockets in TH?

A: There is no such conflict in regard to the ownership. Besides, these pockets are not directly

connected to the main haor.

Q2: Is there any contract among the fish traders to send ice earlier?

A: Still there is no contract among those. The landing center through a collection center

management committee could help ease fish marketing.

Dr. Niamul Nasser, Professor, Dept. of Zoology, University of Dhaka

Q1: Is CBSMTHP working for education in TH?

A: CBSMTHP isn’t working for education in TH

Q2: How many no. of fish landing centers established there?

A: At present Helvetas is working for only one center where project is providing 19%operational

cost. But there is high possibility to increase the no. in future.

Technical Session 2: Research and Study Moderator: Dr. Md. Rezaur Rahman, Professor, Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM), BUET

Presentation by Dr. Istiak Sobhan, Programme Coordinator, IUCN Bangladesh Country Office Presentation summary: To be done

Q/A & Observation

Dr. Md. Zahangir Hossain, Consultant, IUCN

Q: Is there any significance of Haor Master Plan in the implementation of CBSMTH project?

A: The Haor Master Plan is still not implemented by the Haor Development Board and so its role

is not reflected in CBSMTHP. Although the plan needs to bring few changes but IUCN will

cooperate at large in implementing this plan.

Dr. Munir Ahmed, Executive Director, TARA

Bangladesh Fisheries Forum could be linked for conducting research related to fisheries

resources.

Mr. Anirban Sarkar, Dept. of Zoology, Jahangir Nagar University

University faculties and students are always interested for research work. So they could be

considered in any future engagement.

Mr. Zahid Hossain, Programme Officer, Helvetas Swiss Inter Co-operation

Ground water level is very low in haor area and sometimes it is 800-900 meter deep. So a study

on surface water would be helpful for measuring the level of water.

Dr. Belal, Associate Professor, Shahjal University of Science & Technology (SUST)

Shahjal University of Science & Technology will extend all out cooperation and support in

conducting any scientific research on TH.

Mr. Mohammad Mosarof Hossain, Assistant Professor, Sylhet Agricultural University (

SAU)

The Fisheries department of SAU has produced four publications on TH resource and

management and the publication reports have already been submitted to IUCN. So this dept.

could be invited for any future research study.

Dr. Niamul Nasser, Professor, Dept. of Zoology, University of Dhaka

Considering the source of water, a joint research could be conducted with any institution of

Meghalaya to address the trans-boundary issue.

Mr. Farid Hasan, Senior Programme Officer, SDC

− Research findings should be well disseminated to ensure long-term implication.

− Research activities should be consistent with project outcomes.

o Session Wrap up by Moderator

− A vision document is a necessity to outline the future projection of TH.

− Resettlement should not be allowed in any way in TH periphery. Even authority may

think of relocating inhabitants to lessen the high dependency on TH resources.

− Selection of indicator species like Pallas’s Fish Eagle could be a brand for TH.

− Research may be done through leveraging other projects like CREL.

− SAU can be considered for research work particularly on TH fisheries resource since

SUST has no fisheries department.

− Research study should also encompass the social dimension of TH.

Technical session 3: Wetlands Governance Co-management in Bangladesh and some reflections Moderator: Mr. M. Mokhlesur Rahman,Executive Director,CNRS

Q/A & Observation

Tarique Hassan, Senior Advisor, GIZ

Q: Is there any unique concept of co-management?

A: Infact, most definitions of co-management have problems in capturing the complexity, variation and dynamic nature of contemporary systems of governance. Since many resource management systems are crossscale, so different management problems need to be solved simultaneously at different levels. Dr. Mohammad Zashim Uddin, Dept. of Botany, University of Dhaka

Q: Is the concept of co-management indigenous?

A: The concept of co-management is mainly originated from western countries. Scholars like

Berkes, Singleton and Pinkerton led to define co-management in 1990s.Later World Bank and

IUCN provided definition of co-management in their own approach. Although this concept is

foreign origin but there is always scope to better utilize it for ourselves.

Dr. Md. Rezaur Rahman, Professor, (IWFM), BUET

Local communities formed under different project later become dysfunctional following

inactivity of the mother organization. So establishing co-management in TH will require a long

term process. IUCN should play the facilitating role there under any parent organization from

government like the Forest department.

Dr. Akhter Hossain, Dept. of Public Administration, University of Dhaka

Presentation by Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Professor & Chair,Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka

A study is currently going on the co-management structure of TH. A team has already visited TH area and collected primary data which shows representation from the local government is minimal in the existing co-management structure. All other findings of the study will be shared with IUCN after completion of the research work. Mr. Mohammad Mosarof Hossain, Assistant Professor, SAU

A study which has already been done by SAU on co-management of TH shows that community leaders particularly at village level have a very less percentage in decision making. The study report will be shared with IUCN. Mr. Zahid Hossain, Programme Officer, Helvetas Swiss Inter Co-operation

A common understanding in terms of co-management is essential to strengthen the co-

management system in TH under CBSMTH project.

Dr. Md. Rezaur Rahman, Professor, (IWFM), BUET

Involvement of UP Chairman would strengthen the functioning of union co-management

committee. This may be helpful to make the local governance more effective.

Dr. Munir Ahmed, Executive Director, TARA

The issue of Involving UP Chairman in the existing union co-management committee, which is

still at pre-mature stage, should be carefully considered.

Tarique Hassan, Senior Advisor, GIZ

Q: Why fishermen community is not included as the key group in wetland co-management?

A: The character and pattern of fishermen in wetland has been changed. Though fisherman

comes under an occupational status in TH co-management, but in real practice this occupation

varies seasonally with others like agriculture, small business which also struggle for better

livelihood. So it is good to include all occupational groups to ensure their participation in co-

management governance.

Mr. Farid Hasan, Senior Programme Officer, SDC

− Project activities in the remaining period should be done in line with MTR

recommendations.

− All accomplishments need to be well documented.

− Activities in consolidation phase should speed up to meet the expected outcomes.

o Session Wrap up by Moderator

− The wetlands policy 2009 did not clearly highlight the rights of poor fishermen. An

effective wetland policy would be more helpful in implementing co-management

system.

− Positive role of the district administration of Sunmaganj could bring some good results

in CBSMTH project.

− It is surprising to see the government authority reluctant in policy advocacy towards

CBSMTHP, although it has been enjoying the fruit of revenue (24%) collected from fish

harvesting.

− Sanctuary demarcation in TH should be appropriately done.

− Social and ecological boundaries of TH need to be designed and endorsed duly.

Concluding Session Chair: Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan

− Presentation summed up by the moderator of the 1st technical session − Presentation summed up by the moderator of the 2nd technical session − Presentation summed up by the moderator of the 3rd technical session

Concluding Remarks

− Government should step back from wetlands leasing system which contributes only 0.07% in the whole revenue collection.

− It would be unwise to leave CBSMTHP without attaining the sustainability which may take some more years to be ensured.

− Identification of key stakeholders is the additional complexity of CBSMTHP. − Research works done whether under any project or not should be widely disseminated. − Recommendations of MTR may be shared with all experts associated with CBSMMTHP

activities. − Attention needs to be focused on the functioning of Wetlands network to ensure sharing

ideas at the common platform.