The government has finalised an integrated management plan for the Swatch of No-Ground Marine Protected Area (SONG-MPA) to safeguard marine biodiversity.
The plan aims to protect endangered marine species such as dolphins, whales, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, along with their habitats.
Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced the plan during a virtual meeting organised by the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday (January 8).
"This plan will aid sustainable fishing, protect the livelihoods of coastal communities, and contribute to the development of the blue economy. It provides clear guidelines on fishing, shipping, pollution control, and managing tourism," said Rizwana Hasan.
The plan identifies three critical zones within the protected area:
1. Fish Breeding and Fry Rearing Areas
2. Marine Wildlife Conservation Areas
3. Sustainable Fishing Areas
The proposal also includes expanding the protected area from 1,738 square kilometres to 6,866 square kilometres to enhance conservation efforts.
Key officials present at the meeting included Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, Joint Secretary (Forests) Shamima Begum, and Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests and Sufal Project Director Govinda Roy.
The management plan was presented by Dr Syed Arif Azad, Senior Advisor of the World Conservation Society.
This initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, will involve collaboration with various organisations and coastal communities. It aims to strike a balance between sustainable marine resource use and environmental conservation.