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DHAKA, Nov 17, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh today launched the Conservation and Restoration Initiatives in the Sundarbans Region (CRIS) project, a major programme designed to strengthen biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the Sundarbans.   

The project has been in the world’s largest mangrove forest, with financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD).

The initiative is being implemented by IUCN Bangladesh under the leadership of the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), marking AFD’s first direct investment in biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh, said a press release here today. 

The launch ceremony, held in the capital, featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BFD and IUCN Bangladesh, followed by a grant financing agreement between AFD and IUCN. 

The EUR 3 million grant establishes the foundation for a long-term partnership between the AFD and the MoEFCC on conservation and climate action.

The Sundarbans, home to globally significant biodiversity and a natural shield protecting more than six million coastal inhabitants, faces growing pressures from human activities and the accelerating impacts of climate change, said the release. 

The CRIS project aims to address these challenges through an integrated, science-based approach focused on conservation, restoration and community resilience. 

Activities will be carried out by IUCN Bangladesh in close collaboration with BFD, with AFD acting as the development partner.

The project seeks to improve long-term conservation and sustainable management of the Sundarbans while empowering local communities through participatory restoration practices.

Speaking at the launch, AFD Deputy Country Director in Bangladesh Cecilia Cortese reaffirmed France’s strong commitment to supporting climate action, biodiversity protection and resilient communities.

“This partnership reflects our shared responsibility to protect the Sundarbans, a vital shield for millions and a sanctuary for irreplaceable wildlife,” she said.

Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury highlighted the government’s leadership and commitment to safeguarding the mangrove ecosystem.

“The Government of Bangladesh is committed to protecting the Sundarbans in line with national and international goals. This project will help us restore degraded areas and work more closely with communities,” he said.

IUCN Bangladesh Country Representative Bipasha Hossain underscored the importance of science-based interventions and coordinated action.

“The Sundarbans is a fragile ecosystem and a lifeline for millions of people. Through CRIS, we want to bring scientific evidence, traditional knowledge and community experience together,” she stated.

Under the CRIS project, IUCN Bangladesh will conduct climate-risk assessments, hydrological studies, socio-economic research, faunal surveys and community-based ecological restoration.

The initiative will also support knowledge sharing, youth engagement, and upgrades to the Sundarbans Interpretation Centre at Karamjal to strengthen public awareness and education.

The initiative aligns fully with Bangladesh’s national and international commitments, including the National Conservation Strategy, National Adaptation Plan, Delta Plan 2100 and the Bangladesh Climate Change and Gender Action Plan.

In addition, CRIS supports key global targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, positioning Bangladesh as a leading voice for nature-based solutions in climate-vulnerable regions.

Through integrated restoration, enhanced climate resilience, improved biodiversity protection and inclusive community engagement, the project reinforces Bangladesh’s long-term vision for a sustainable, thriving and resilient Sundarbans.