Event: ADB Data Room: Regional Flyway Initiative Bangladesh: Hail Haor (Including Baikka Beel Sanctuary) View File The extensive freshwater wetlands of Hail Haor form one of Bangladesh’s most productive inland ecosystems, supporting vast congregations of migratory and resident waterbirds, including flocks of ducks and shorebirds. Improved wetland management can restore ecological balance while sustaining local livelihoods. About 172,000 people from 61 nearby villages depend on its fisheries, the area’s primary livelihood source. Establishing fish sanctuaries through co-management with local communities strengthens stewardship, and benefits both fishers and wildlife. The 170-hectare Baikka Beel Sanctuary offers a useful model—protecting fish stocks and bird habitats while stimulating local participation in ecotourism and wetland protection. Scaling up community-led management across Hail Haor can enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and secure long-term livelihood benefits. Investing in stronger conservation and co-management, these wetlands can remain a vital source of food, income, and biodiversity for future generations. RFI Site Snapshot City Municipality Province Region Moulvibazar District, Sylhet Division Area Size 21,799 ha Geographical Coordinates 24.37 N, 91.68 E Conservation Designation Wildlife sanctuary (1983)EAAFP Flyway Network Site (2011) Key Habitats and Biomes Permanent and seasonal freshwater lakes, marshes, pools, rivers, streams, creeks, and shrub-dominated wetlands. Key Ecosystem Services & Values Global and local climate regulation. Flood hazard regulation. Cultivated and wild foods such as rice and fish provide major livelihoods, Cultural services, aesthetic experience, Global climate regulation: Estimated Carbon Storage and Sequestration range from 15,700 to 22,700 tonnes, while annual carbon sequestration rate estimated at 1,100 tonnes per year. EAAF Species Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri CRBlack-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa NTPallas’s Fish-eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus ENGreater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga VU Notable Fauna Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus VU Site Management All wetlands in Bangladesh are state-owned under the Ministry of Land. Haor wetlands designated as Ecologically Critical Areas are managed by the Department of Environment, with the Forest Department, Haor Development Board, and Ministry of Fisheries sharing responsibilities. Baikka Beel Sanctuary is jointly managed by the district land office, Department of Fisheries, and local resource management groups. Threats Droughts, habitat shifting and alteration, and livestock farming and grazing Additionally, fishing, killing, and harvesting of aquatic resources Opportunities for RFI Interventions Habitat protection and management, Wetland-based eco-tourism, creation of fish sanctuaries and fish stock protection, wetland restoration and pollution prevention. Investment Range over Time Period 8,600,000 USD over 5 years. Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Download Topics Environment