Tk 276cr project to protect wildlife
The Executive Committee of National Economic Council yesterday approved a project involving Tk 276.19 crore for better management of wildlife in the region.
The Ecnec also okayed a project for supplying safe water in Khulna city and adjacent areas along with production of packaged biogas in a bid to reduce poverty.
Seven projects, including the three, involving Tk 5,124 crore were approved at the Ecnec meeting presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The project "Strengthening regional cooperation for wildlife protection" aims to boost regional wildlife protection efforts, enhance wildlife preservation activities, and develop eco-tourism among the regional countries.
According to sources at the Department of Forest, the South East Asian region is home to 13-15 percent of the world's biodiversity.
India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan give shelter to 65 percent of the world's population of tigers, among some of the most exotic and rare species in the globe, they said.
The project seeks to promote regional cooperation and joint efforts required to preserve and stop illegal trading of wild animals in the region, they added.
Under the project, 23 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries will be developed across the country along with deployment of special units to stop trafficking of wild animals.
Several bird observation towers, jetties, and tourism spots will also be developed under the project, alongside opening of several wildlife centres around the country for training activities and sharing of knowledge and experience on wildlife preservation.
The project will also offer training to inhabitants living near forest areas on wildlife preservation, open four specialised veterinary clinics across the country, and take up pilot projects to curb violent confrontations between wild creatures and humans.
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