Editorial
A dolphin sanctuary
Conservation of biodiversity should be prioritised
The government move to declare 32 kilometres of the Sundarbans waterways as ''dolphin sanctuaries'' for the conservation of dolphins could not have been more timely. The waterways of the Sundarbans, says a study of Bangladesh Cetacean Development Project (BCDP), provide for the biggest habitat of two species of dolphins. Revealing as the information is, these species are exposed to danger as these waterways are also good for fishing. As a result, the dolphins, though not targeted directly, often get entangled in the fishing nets and die in a great number every year. These adversities called for immediate government intervention to save the valued species.
Parallelly, the Sundarbans, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the biggest as well as the only mangrove forest that has the largest concentration of Royal Bengal Tigers. However, amid undeterred poaching of tiger and deer compounded with unbridled deforestation, the biggest cat population has already fallen prey to human greed. And the forest department's indifference, what with the poor manpower has only put biodiversity into jeopardy.
Now that the BCDP study has revealed that its waterways are also home to the biggest population of another endangered species, the government move seems very judicious. What we are basically looking forward to is the effective follow-up on the move sooner rather than later. We believe that the move will also enhance the image of the Sundarbans as an international tourist spot.
Overall, what we would also like to see on the government's part is an identical move to contain poaching of the tigers and the deer. Stern action against deforestation is also necessary not least because any drastic change in the natural habitat of the forest will badly affect the ecological balance of the whole forest including its waterways.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments