Bangladesh Forest Department and IUCN Bangladesh Launch Major Conservation Initiative for the Sundarbans, with Support from AFD

The launch was marked today by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BFD and IUCN Bangladesh, followed by the grant financing agreement between AFD and IUCN Bangladesh. This 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 MoEFCC.

A Strategic Initiative for the World’s Largest Mangrove Forest

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. To address these challenges, 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.

To improved conservation and sustainable management of the Sundarbans

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 project will deliver four key outcomes:

• Risk-informed conservation and restoration plans developed for the Sundarbans Region
• Improved biodiversity conservation in Sundarbans through faunal inventory and management plan development
• Enhanced ecological resilience through restoration and sustainable management of Sundarbans Impact Zone
• Improved knowledge management and stakeholder collaboration

A Shared Commitment

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Cecilia Cortese, Deputy Country Director of AFD Bangladesh, 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 stated.

The Government of Bangladesh and IUCN Bangladesh also highlighted the significance of the initiative. Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, stated, “the Government of Bangladesh iscommitted to protecting the Sundarbans in line with national and international goals. This project will help us restore degraded areas and work more closely with communities.” 

While Ms. Bipasha Hossain, Country Representative of IUCN Bangladesh, underscored the need for strong coordination and science-based action to secure the future of the Sundarbans. She stated that “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.”

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.

A project fully aligned with Bangladesh’s national and international commitments

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. Through restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and inclusive community engagement, the project strengthens Bangladesh’s long-term vision for a sustainable and resilient Sundarbans.