Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the government has finalized the Integrated Management Plan for the Swatch of No-Ground Marine Protected Area (SONG-MPA).
“The plan aims to safeguard globally threatened marine species such as dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, and turtles, along with their habitats, through marine spatial planning, community engagement, and multi-agency enforcement,” she said in a meeting joining virtually.
A meeting was arranged to finalize the Integrated Management Plan for the Swatch of the no-ground Marine Protected Area (SONG-MPA).
Rizwana said the plan ensures biodiversity protection and supports sustainable marine fisheries and coastal livelihoods, contributing to a resilient blue economy.
She said the plan emphasizes strategic zoning, pollution control, and the active participation of coastal communities as stewards of the marine ecosystem.
The environment adviser said this initiative underscores a collaborative approach with multiple agencies and coastal communities to balance marine resource utilization with environmental preservation.
It designates critical zones, including Fish Spawning, Marine Wildlife Protection, and Sustainable Fishery areas. A key proposal is to expand the protected area from 1,738 square km to 6,866 square km to ensure broader biodiversity conservation and enhance the sustainability of marine resources.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/BSS
