Bangladesh’s Blue Revolution: More Than Five Million Sustho Sagor Project By Wcs And Worldfish To Protect The Bay Of Bengal And Empower Coastal Communities

Published on October 23, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Bangladesh is taking a bold measurement toward marine conservation pinch nan motorboat of nan Sustho Sagor project. Backed by a $5.5 cardinal assistance from nan Blue Action Fund, nan Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and WorldFish purpose to grow nan country’s marine protected areas crossed nan Bay of Bengal. This inaugural marks a awesome milestone for nan tourism manufacture and world recreation community, aligning biology protection pinch sustainable livelihoods.

Sustho Sagor: A Vision for a Healthy Ocean
The Sustho Sagor, meaning “Healthy Ocean,” is group to safeguard complete 12,700 quadrate kilometres of marine habitat, an area larger than Jamaica. The task strengthens nan protection of Bangladesh’s 2 existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and introduces nan nation’s first Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM). This measurement not only benefits wildlife but besides uplifts much than 155,000 fishers and coastal residents who trust connected a patient water for their income and sustenance. The recreation and tourism manufacture sees this arsenic a exemplary of balancing quality and economy, ensuring that early trips to Bangladesh’s coastline stay ecologically rich | and vibrant.

Blue Action Fund’s Vision and Global Commitment
Markus Knigge, Executive Director of nan Blue Action Fund, highlighted that nan assistance reflects their assurance successful WCS and WorldFish’s expertise. The Sustho Sagor task supports Bangladesh’s committedness to protecting 30 percent of its water area by 2030, aligning pinch nan Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Such collaborations power nan world recreation industry, showcasing really biology protection efforts heighten nan entreaty of eco-tourism and responsible recreation experiences crossed Asia. Airlines for illustration Qatar Airways and others use erstwhile sustainable destinations pull much travellers seeking authentic, responsible trips.

WCS Bangladesh’s Legacy successful Marine Science
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been a pioneer successful marine conservation successful Bangladesh for astir 2 decades. Its earlier efforts uncovered nan Bay of Bengal arsenic a stronghold for water giants for illustration dolphins, sharks, rays, and turtles. Bangladesh’s waters big nan world’s largest organization of Endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and unsocial Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. These findings informed nan creation of nan Swatch of No Ground, Nijhum Dwip, and Saint Martin MPAs, covering 5.7% of nan country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). For nan tourism industry, specified biodiversity hotspots are invaluable. They pull eco-travellers and boost nan visibility of Bangladesh arsenic a sustainable destination, inspiring airlines and recreation agencies to create greener recreation packages.

Building nan Future of Marine Conservation
The Sustho Sagor task continues this technological bequest pinch a attraction connected action and community. According to Dr Md Zahangir Alom, Country Director for WCS Bangladesh, nan task enhances nan governance capacity of cardinal agencies specified arsenic nan Bangladesh Forest Department, Department of Fisheries, and Coast Guard. By 2029, nan inaugural intends to create a connected web of protected habitats that guarantee semipermanent conservation and sustainable use. The tourism and recreation manufacture stands to summation from these efforts arsenic improved coastal protection enhances earthy attractions and creates opportunities for responsible marine tourism.

Empowering Coastal Communities and Livelihoods
WCS and WorldFish are wished to nexus marine wellness pinch quality prosperity. The task will straight use 155,000 people, including 1,400 households surviving adjacent marine protected areas. Through community-driven programs for illustration Women’s Income & Nutrition Groups (WING) and Fisheries Conservation Groups (FCGs), it promotes inclusivity and gender equality. Local residents will summation entree to nature-based and replacement income sources, reducing unit connected fisheries. Such empowerment is captious for nan tourism industry, wherever organization engagement ensures sustainable recreation experiences. Airlines specified arsenic Qatar Airways, which beforehand eco-friendly travel, align pinch this attack by connecting travellers to destinations that respect some quality and people.

WorldFish’s Role successful Strengthening Governance
Md Nahiduzzaman, Project Lead astatine WorldFish, noted that nan occurrence of marine conservation depends connected organization empowerment. By co-developing sustainable livelihoods, WorldFish ensures that section group go progressive stewards of nan ocean. This attack strengthens governance and supports resilient coastal economies. For nan broader recreation industry, specified models promote destinations to adopt ethical and environmentally conscious policies. As eco-tourism continues to rise, initiatives for illustration Sustho Sagor show really nan tourism manufacture tin thrust conservation done meaningful partnerships.

Tourism Industry and Marine Sustainability
The Sustho Sagor task resonates beyond conservation; it’s a instruction for nan world tourism industry. Travellers coming activity destinations that harvester adventure, authenticity, and sustainability. Bangladesh’s committedness to expanding MPAs will position it arsenic a awesome hub for eco-travel successful South Asia. Tourists booking trips pinch airlines specified arsenic Qatar Airways will soon observe pristine marine reserves and thriving sportfishing communities that bespeak equilibrium betwixt advancement and preservation. This synergy strengthens some section tourism and nan world recreation web that supports it.

Global Conservation and Future Impact
By 2029, Sustho Sagor will people a caller section successful Bangladesh’s water management. The collaboration betwixt WCS, WorldFish, and nan Blue Action Fund sets a benchmark for different coastal nations. The project’s integrated approach—combining science, governance, and community—ensures lasting results. For nan world tourism industry, it redefines really conservation, travel, and airlines tin cooperate for a sustainable future. As marine ecosystems recover, tourism flourishes, offering travellers enriching trips that lend to biology protection.