Background

Wetlands are considered as one of the highly productive natural ecosystems all over the world. It plays a number of functions like water purification, flood protection, shoreline erosion control, water storage, processing of carbon and other nutrients, stabilization of shorelines, etc. Most importantly it is a vital ecosystem for the fisheries sector for its critical role as spawning, nursery and feeding grounds for a variety of fishes, amphibians as well as aquatic birds, invertebrates and mammals. It also supports the cultivation of wetland plants and irrigation. It is also related to recreational fisheries. Thus, wetland ecosystems support income generation, livelihoods and food security for rural people.

Bangladesh is endowed with different types of wetlands which are scattered throughout the country. Many rural people can easily ...