The Sundarbans, recognized as the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a critical habitat for the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger and a vast array of other flora and fauna. Beyond its ecological significance, the Sundarbans supports the livelihoods of over four million people living in its vicinity, providing them with vital resources. However, unsustainable resource extraction practices, often permitted without adequate oversight or consideration of biodiversity conservation, have led to resource abuse and hindered the natural regeneration processes of the forest. Furthermore, the Sundarbans serves as a vital natural shield, protecting the region from oceanic cyclones and tidal surges, underscoring its importance for both ecological balance and disaster resilience.
To address these challenges, LEDARS engages local communities in promoting sustainable resource management and responsible forest extraction practices. The organization advocates for alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on destructive shrimp farming, restoring agricultural land and protecting vital resources like drinking water. Through community-based afforestation programs and biodiversity enhancement initiatives, LEDARS strengthens the resilience of the Sundarbans to climate change. Additionally, the organization supports policy advocacy to ensure sustainable environmental management, balancing human needs with the preservation of this critical ecological treasure.
Strengthen community involvement in conservation by forming Sundarbans Friends Clubs, organizing Youth Environmental Camps, and conducting awareness-raising sessions for young people in the Sundarbans region. Activities such as hiking and day observations foster appreciation for the forest's ecological value.
Develop and disseminate easy-to-understand reading materials for students and community members to increase awareness about sustainable environmental practices. Utilize these materials to conduct community-wide education campaigns.
Encourage eco-friendly agricultural practices by promoting organic fertilizers, natural pest control methods like pheromone and light traps, and reducing dependency on harmful chemicals. These initiatives contribute to a healthier environment and support local livelihoods.
Expand mangrove afforestation initiatives in vulnerable coastal zones to enhance natural barriers against cyclones and tidal surges, supporting biodiversity conservation and increasing ecosystem resilience.
Collaborate with local communities to distribute tree saplings, restore degraded land, and advocate for policy changes supporting sustainable resource management in the Sundarbans. These efforts ensure the balanced coexistence of human activity and ecological preservation.
• Mangrove afforestation has been carried out over 1.5 acres along the Malancho River,
near the embankment of Singhortoli village at Shyamnagar, Satkhira.
• Implemented a project with 3 schools and 3 colleges to sensitize community people and
policy makers
• Conducted a campaign to sensitize government officials to stop the saline water shrimp
farming in agricultural land and restore the agricultural-based livelihoods
• Organized dialogue meeting with community people, civil society and policy makers
• Demonstrated child road show, human chain, fixing posters on destruction of shrimp
farming
• Memorandum submission to policy makers, letter and signature campaign
LEDARS (Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society) is a non-profit and non-political development organization. LEDARS has been working since 1996 in Bangladesh. Details…
