The wetland of Tanguar Haor is an important ecological area and Bangladesh’s only recognized Ramsar site. The area is since 2001 excluded from the otherwise typical leaseholder system for fishing and land use, which provides a unique opportunity to establish a natural resources management system based on principles of ecological sustainability and to the benefit of impoverished and often landless haor dwellers.

A co-management system for the Tanguar Haor Ramsar site is in place which conserves ecosystem values and services and provides a basis for a significantly improvement of livelihoods for rural communities. The co-management system unites representatives of the District Offices, Sub-District Offices, Union Parishads as well as from the communities. It acts as a facilitator, and insures that instructions from the Steering Committee are implemented, and regulations are applied.

• The co-management system in the Tanguar Haor is consolidated and effective
• The communities of the Tanguar Haor have improved livelihoods and increased incomes
• The sustainability of the co-management institutions is assured beyond project intervention

IUCN Bangladesh (with sub-contracting arrangements with local NGOs and Helvetas/Swiss Intercooperation)

• 88 villages with some 60’000 wetland dwellers, most of whom rural subsistence producers
• Local authorities and other members of the Tanguar Haor Management Committee

• Introduction of key elements of a co-management system for the Tanguar Haor
• Mobilization, awareness building and empowerment of 73 communities
• Capacity building of community leaders and women
• Training for improved agricultural practices benefitting some 20’000 people
• Protection and restoration measures, including reforestation of 35 hectares and the set-up of 5 fish and 2 bird sanctuaries.