France has extended its first direct funding for biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh, announcing a grant of 3 million euros dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Sundarbans.
The grant, provided by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), will support the Conservation and Restoration Initiatives in the Sundarbans Region (CRIS) project, implemented by the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) in partnership with IUCN Bangladesh.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to the grant was signed on Monday in Dhaka by AFD Bangladesh Deputy Country Director Cecilia Cortese, Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, and IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative Bipasha Hossain.
"EUR 3 million grant represents AFD's first direct support to biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh and lays the foundation for a long-term partnership with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)," AFD said in a press statement on Tuesday.
The CRIS project will strengthen biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in the region through an integrated, science-based approach. Activities will be implemented by IUCN Bangladesh in close collaboration with BFD, with AFD supporting the effort as a development partner.
The Sundarbans, home to exceptional biodiversity and a critical source of protection and livelihood for more than six million people, is under increasing pressure from human activity and the accelerating impacts of climate change, the AFD said in its press release.
The overall ambition of CRIS is to contribute to improved conservation and sustainable management of the Sundarbans, while supporting local communities through effective restoration practices.
The CRIS project will conduct climate-risk assessments, hydrological studies, socio-economic research, faunal surveys and community-based ecological restoration. It will support knowledge-sharing, youth engagement and improvements to the Sundarbans Interpretation Centre at Karamjal.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, AFD Deputy Country Director Cecilia Cortese reiterated France's unwavering commitment to supporting climate action, biodiversity preservation, and resilient communities.
"This partnership reflects our shared responsibility to protect the Sundarbans, a vital shield for millions and a sanctuary for irreplaceable wildlife," she said.
Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain said the CRIS project will help restore degraded areas in the Sundarbans by working closely with communities.
IUCN Country Representative Bipasha Hossain underscored the need for strong coordination and science-based action to secure the future of the Sundarbans.
"The Sundarbans is a fragile ecosystem and a lifeline for millions of people. Through CRIS, we want to bring scientific evidence, traditional knowledge and community experience together, "she added.
The CRIS project is fully aligned with Bangladesh's national and international commitments, including the National Conservation Strategy, National Adaptation Plan, Delta Plan 2100, and the Bangladesh Climate Change and Gender Action Plan.
It also supports key global targets under the SDGs and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
smunima@yahoo.com
