The Blue Action Fund has awarded a US$5.5 million/~€4.7 million grant to the Wildlife Conservation Society to enable the WCS to launch its Sustho Sagor (“Healthy Ocean”) initiative in Bangladesh.
This landmark, groundbreaking effort aims to expand Bangladesh’s Marine Protected Area network. The new, larger area will cover a massive 12,700 square kilometers/4,903 square miles of protected land across the critical marine habitat of the Bay of Bengal.
The project will enhance marine protection across the nation’s two existing MPAs and establish new conservation zones. These will include the country’s first Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM).
Discussing the new investment, Blue Action Fund Executive Director Markus Knigge said:
“Blue Action Fund is pleased to invest in the Sustho Sagor project, which aims to promote healthy marine ecosystems and resilient coastal communities in Bangladesh. We are confident that the combined strengths and expertise of the implementing partners will ensure effective delivery and lasting impact. This collaboration represents an important step towards supporting Bangladesh in achieving its goal of protecting and conserving 30 percent of its ocean area by 2030.”
While WCS Bangladesh Marine Conservation Program Manager Nadim Parves added:
“Our journey has been one of discovery and partnership. From identifying ocean giants to supporting the government in creating science-based MPAs, we have consistently worked with coastal communities and agencies to balance biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods. The Sustho Sagor project is the natural evolution of this work, scaling up our efforts for greater impact.”
Giving further evidence to the importance of this investment, Md. Nahiduzzaman, project lead at WorldFish added:
“The success of marine conservation is inextricably linked to the well-being of local communities. Our role in the Sustho Sagor project is to ensure that communities are empowered as active stewards of their marine resources. By co-developing diversified and resilient livelihood options, we are building a future where both people and nature can thrive. This partnership with WCS Bangladesh and the Blue Action Fund is a powerful model for integrated ocean management.”
Finally, South Asia WCS Interim Regional Director Madhu Rao highlighted the importance of the investment and work:
“Sustho Sagor is more than a conservation project; it’s an investment in people. By linking healthy marine ecosystems with thriving communities, we are creating a sustainable blueprint for strengthening MPA effectiveness and improving the well-being of people dependent on fishing in Bangladesh. We are grateful to the Blue Action Fund for their support in this transformative endeavor.”
