Wetland Specialist Study, Northeast Regional Water Management Plan, Bangladesh Flood Action Plan 6

CHAPTER 7. WETLAND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

7.1  INTRODUCTION

Objectives by definition are quantified targets within a set time frame. They should be achievable, within the framework of available professional, financial, and other resources.

If new methodologies or institutions (for community-based management, for example) need to be developed in order to achieve a particular objective, estimates of the amount of time and resources required may be difficult. In this case, a series of phased objectives leading up to the main objective is indicated, to assist in understanding what is realistic and achievable; as the phases are executed, downstream objectives may need to be reviewed and revised.

The objectives presented here were used as input to the regional development objectives and the water management objectives of the North East Regional Plan. They therefore record the wetland objectives stated from a specialist perspective, before incorporation into the Plan.

7.2  MAIN OBJECTIVES

1. To maintain the major part of the region's remaining biodiversity for future generations.

Comments:  This objective includes wetland biodiversity, but extends well beyond this to include the biodiversity residing in wild upland species and in local varieties of domestic plant and animal species as well. To monitor and evaluate achievement of this objective, 'maintenance of remaining biodiversity', baseline data (appropriately defined and focused) and ongoing monitoring of the remaining regional biodiversity is needed.

2.  To maintain or enhance the ecological character of the key wetland sites for future generations.

Comments: These sites are the main repositories of wild wetland species' biodiversity. This implies that major development activities (FCDI, floodplain fish stocking, roads and highways, industrial development) in these areas, and within their upstream basin areas, need to be planned, implemented, operated, and maintained with a high degree of sensitivity to wetland values; or foregone. This also implies improved local wetland resource management. To monitor and evaluate achievement of this objective, baseline data (appropriately defined and focused) on the ecological character of the key wetland sites in needed.

3.  During the period 19___ to 20___, afforest ____ ha per year with swamp forest tree species.

Comments: Time frame and area would be quantified based on what is feasible; this would require additional investigation.

7.3  SUBSIDIARY OBJECTIVES

These objectives relate to specific targets that must be met in order to achieve the main objectives.

1.a  By 2000, to develop a baseline data set (appropriately defined and focused) on the remaining biodiversity in the region. From 2000, to continue assimilating and analysing a monitoring data set.

2.a  By 1995, complete the baseline data set (appropriately defined and focused) that begun under NERP on the ecological character of the six key wetland sites. From 1995, to continue assimilating and analysing a monitoring data set.

2.b  By 2000, institutionalize a regional capability to review major development plans for impacts on regional biodiversity and the six key wetland sites.

Comments: EIAs are or will soon be required for most types of major development. DOE is or will be responsible for reviewing these. To support EIA preparers and DOE in this effort as it relates to regional biodiversity and key wetlands, a network of interested parties should be institutionalized. The network should include persons residing in or near each of the key sites, representing the full range of socio-economic classes and occupations, men and women; local and regional technical experts; national technical experts; and international experts as needed. 'Institutionalization' of this network needs to be defined, but would include locating and identifying interested persons, meetings to exchange information, and some form of regular contact (such as a newsletter or meetings).

2.c  By 2000, institutionalize sustainable community-based management of wetland resources at the six key sites.

Comments: Serious thought is required to define this objective further. How do the terms 'institutionalize', 'sustainable', and 'community-based' apply to these wetlands? To specific subsystems (such as migratory waterfowl)? Should these areas (or subunits of them) have official status (Ramsar site, protected area, rotating refuges)? Each key site would likely require a period of intensive input (say two years, with year one for research and local consultation, and year two for design and implementation of new management systems), followed by follow-up of intermittent outside input on a steadily decreasing basis (over say three years), after which management would be under purely local control with supportive linkages to Government and non-government institutions as appropriate. To complete the intensive input at all the sites in the six year period before 2000, input would have to be provided to two sites during 1994-95, two during 1996-7, and two during 1998-9. Also, there is clearly an opportunity for synergy with the regional wetland network; this needs to be explored.

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