Once a vibrant sanctuary for migratory birds, Sylhet’s Beanibazar is now witnessing a worrying decline in its seasonal avian guests. The wetlands, rivers, canals and reservoirs that once echoed with the calls and songs of birds from distant lands have fallen eerily silent. A decade ago, the skies and waters of Beanibazar were alive with the vibrant hues and melodies of migratory birds, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Today, however, the scene is starkly different. Changing Landscape The rapid pace of urbanisation, widespread deforestation and excessive use of pesticides have significantly altered the natural habitats that once welcomed these birds.  The consequences are visible in the diminishing number of winged visitors that once made the region their temporary home during winter. Local residents recall a time when birds such as magpies, parrots, doves, crows and cuckoos were a common sight, flitting through the trees, fields, and courtyards.  The intricately woven nests of Babui birds on palm leaves once stood as a testament to nature’s exquisite craftsmanship. Today, such scenes are fading into memory. Even the well-known bird sanctuaries in the upazila have lost their charm.  The once-thriving Muria Haor, a major wetland that used to host thousands of migratory birds, now sees only a fraction of its former visitors. Decline in guest birds at Jahangirnagar University: A growing concern for biodiversity Poaching Problem Despite legal protections, illegal poaching continues to exacerbate the decline.  Locals allege that hunters use chemicals and traps to capture birds, further threatening their populations.  Without stringent enforcement of conservation laws, this unlawful practice remains a major concern. Dr. Mohammad Mobin Hai, Upazila Livestock Officer, attributes the decline to urbanisation, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.  Dr. Shamim Hossain, Upazila Livestock Extension Officer, points out that the destruction of forests has drastically reduced safe nesting areas for birds.  Meanwhile, Lokman Hakim, Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlights the dwindling food sources as another critical factor. Bigger Picture: A Global Crisis Beanibazar’s struggle is not an isolated case. A recent United Nations report reveals that 44% of migratory species worldwide are experiencing population declines, with one in five at risk of extinction.  According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around 14% of the world’s migratory birds—134 out of 960 species—are under threat. 1,200 trapped birds rescued, freed in Bagerhat  The findings underscore the impact of habitat destruction, urban expansion, agricultural development, and climate change on migratory species. Climate shifts, in particular, are disrupting migration patterns, forcing birds to alter their traditional routes or perish in the process. Call for Conservation The silence of Beanibazar’s once-vibrant bird sanctuaries serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s fragile balance. Without urgent conservation efforts, the seasonal spectacle of migratory birds may soon become a tale of the past. Protecting wetlands, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and restoring lost habitats could be the key to reversing this decline. As the region grapples with these challenges, the question remains: will Beanibazar’s skies once again fill with the fluttering wings of its lost visitors, or will their absence become permanent?  

The restoration of the Gulshan-Banani Lake, designated as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), could generate benefits worth Tk 300,000 crore over a 20-year period, according to a recent study. Conducted by the ReWET consortium, this report is the first comprehensive economic valuation of an urban wetland in Bangladesh. Titled “Primary Economic Analysis for Climate Impacted Dwellers-led Agro-Ecological Stewardship for Restoring Wetlands (Re-WET),” the study estimates the economic value of the ecosystem services provided by the Gulshan-Banani Lake. The lake forms part of the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara wetlands ecosystem. Adjacent to it lies the Korail slum, the largest informal settlement in Bangladesh, which houses over 250,000 residents. The study models a 20-year restoration scenario, where local residents are trained as wetland stewards. It finds that restoring the Gulshan-Banani Lake through a co-productive process with Korail’s residents could generate benefits worth Tk 10,600 crore annually, culminating in a total value of Tk 300,000 crore over two decades. Read: Illegal structures removed from Gulshan Lake The investigation was conducted over a 2-kilometre stretch of the lake and aggregated various ecosystem service values and avoidable costs. Key highlights include: · Fisheries and Aquaculture: Annual contributions of Tk 8.635 crore, providing livelihoods for local communities. · Climate-Smart Agriculture: Valued at Tk 12.5 crore annually. · Municipal Water Substitution: Valued at Tk 18.75 crore per year. · Climate Regulation Services: Carbon sequestration alone generates Tk 84 crore annually, playing a critical role in combating climate change. · Flood Regulation: Annual benefits of Tk 43.24 crore from water retention and restoration. · Cultural and Recreational Services: Green-blue spaces enhance quality of life and eco-tourism opportunities, contributing Tk 200 crore annually. · Education and Cultural Services: Civic and ecological education, intellectual exchanges, scientific research, and community programs contribute Tk 3,002 crore annually. · Biodiversity Value: Unique flora and fauna preservation generates Tk 37 crore annually. · Land Value: Restoration could lead to an increase in land value estimated at Tk 5,000 crore annually. Challenges and Environmental Impact Despite its importance, the Gulshan-Banani Lake faces severe pressure from rapid urbanisation, pollution, and encroachment. Korail’s socio-economic challenges are intrinsically tied to the wetland’s degradation. The unchecked pollution, resulting from untreated sewage, solid waste dumping, and inadequate waste management infrastructure, disproportionately impacts the vulnerable Korail population. Recommendations for Restoration The ReWET report outlines several pathways for restoration: · Establishing protected buffer zones along the lake. · Constructing wastewater treatment plants. · Reintroducing native vegetation and species to restore habitats. · Promoting climate-smart agriculture and aquaculture among locals. · Providing micro-financing to support green businesses. · Introducing payment for ecosystem services. · Encouraging public-private partnerships for restoration efforts. Project Overview The ReWET project is part of the Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO) and managed by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Led by the University of Sheffield, UK, the project is implemented by the River & Delta Research Centre (RDRC), Dhaka, with assistance from experts in urban environmental design, finance, and policy from Smith College, USA, and Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Employing a rigorous Total Economic Value (TEV) framework, the report combines qualitative and quantitative approaches for data collection, valuation, and scenario-based modeling. Expert Insights Saifullah Khaled, a climate finance expert and Assistant Professor in Finance at Sheffield Hallam University, said the ReWET report demonstrates the immense value of investing in nature-related interventions. It’s an effort to show broader stakeholders the value for money in restoring wetlands. Read more: Environment department halts Gulshan Lake filling on adviser’s orders “The potential of value generation from Korail Lake, Tk 10,600 crore per annum, and Tk 300,000 crore over a 20-year period is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more externalities, multiplier effects, or co-benefits we couldn’t even capture in this ecosystem services valuation,” he said. Efadul Huq, Assistant Professor in Environmental Science & Policy and Urban Studies at Smith College, stressed the urgent need for restoration of Dhaka’s urban wetlands, because urban wetlands are critical ecological infrastructure and for keeping social inclusion and empowerment front and center in restoration efforts. “We need to co-produce restored urban wetlands with local residents, and recognize the knowledge, experiences, and needs of the most vulnerable urban dwellers in that process,” he said. Mohammad Azaz, the RDRC Chairman, said the ReWET project is a collaborative effort to restore Gulshan-Banani Lake and they are working closely with RAJUK, Dhaka North City Corporation, the District Commissioner’s Office, and the Department of Environment. “By working with multiple stakeholders, from government agencies to residents, we aim to create a model of urban wetland restoration that not only revives ecological functions but also enhances the livelihoods, resilience and well-being of the people who depend on these critical ecosystems,” he said.

Ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have partnered to improve the sustainable management of critical wetland ecosystems by launching two new projects. A signing ceremony was held on Thursday at the NEC-II conference room, Economic Relations Division, where UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh signed two agreements to launch the projects titled “Community-based Management of Tanguar Haor Wetland in Bangladesh” and “Implementing Ecosystem-based Management in Ecologically Critical Areas (ECA) in Bangladesh,” both funded by GEF. The agreements were signed by Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change; and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division. The projects aim to address some of Bangladesh's most urgent environmental challenges by promoting the sustainable use of wetland resources by local communities, conserving globally significant biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services. Shahriar Kader Siddiky stated, "We must explore more global funding opportunities to conserve biodiversity and restore ecologically critical ecosystems. It's essential to engage local communities in the co-management of these ecosystems and ensure that conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity is a key consideration in any civil infrastructure projects." Dr. Farhina Ahmed stressed, "We need to reform land management for sustainable wetlands, involving local communities instead of traditional leasing. Responsible tourism is also key to protecting critical ecosystems." She added, "While climate change gets much attention, we must also focus on protecting biodiversity and improving environmental governance. This is a priority for us." Stefan Liller, in his remarks, said, "While Bangladesh has made commendable strides in climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration, the ongoing environmental challenges demand our collective and innovative efforts. UNDP remains steadfast in its partnership with the Government, particularly the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. “Together, we've mobilized approximately $362 million from the GEF to support sustainable development projects aligned with national priorities,” he further added. Senior government officials and UNDP representatives, along with others, attended the event. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of both UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh to protect the nation's biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

Although coastal and freshwater wetlands – such as swamps, mangroves and marshes – contain 40 percent of all plant and animal species, many are polluted or degraded due to climate change and human development. On World Wetlands Day Thursday, the UN called for urgent action to revive and restore these ecosystems, which are disappearing three times faster than forests. Wetlands cover roughly six percent of the Earth's land surface and are vital for human health, food supply, tourism and jobs.  More than a billion people worldwide depend on them for their livelihoods, while their shallow waters and abundant plant life support everything from insects to ducks to moose. Wetlands also play a crucial role in both achieving sustainable development and the fight against climate change.   They provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, and reducing the impact of flooding, for example. Peatlands, a particular type of vegetated wetland, store twice as much carbon as forests. However, over the past 200 years, wetlands have been drained to make way for farmland or infrastructure development, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Roughly 35 percent of all wetlands globally disappeared between 1970 and 2015, and the rate of loss has been accelerating since the year 2000. Depending on the amount of climate-related sea level rise, some 20 to 90 percent of current coastal wetlands could be gone by the end of the century, the UNEP said. Wetlands have also suffered more biodiversity loss than other land and marine ecosystems. Leticia Carvalho, head of the agency's Marine and Freshwater Branch, urged governments to end policies and subsidies that incentivise deforestation and wetlands degradation, and urgently focus on restoration. Read more: Historic biodiversity agreement reached at U.N. conference "At the same time, we must guide and drive investments to protect priority ecosystems, such as peatlands, and encourage the private sector to commit to deforestation and peatland-drainage-free supply chains," she added. Recently, governments have been stepping up efforts to protect wetlands.  At the UN Biodiversity Conference in December, countries agreed a landmark deal to protect a third of the planet's lands, coastal areas and inland waters by 2030. Action to restore wetlands is gathering momentum around the world. For example, China is developing the "sponge cities" concept, in the face of rapid urbanisation and intensified climate hazards, including flooding. Initiatives include "green" rooves, constructed wetlands and pavements that capture, slow down and filter stormwater.

The government has taken a massive plan to recover canals, wetlands and small rivers across the country and re-excavate those to increase their navigability and water reservation capacity, groundwater recharge and thus preserve the biodiversity.

Wetlands in the capital city of Dhaka declined to 4.38 percent from 14.25 percent in the last 20 years due to unplanned urbanisation, finds a new study.