The Sundarbans Eco-Tourism Master Plan (2025–2045) sets out a framework for increasing both local and international visitors without compromising the forest’s fragile ecosystem.
Long-Term Planning with Tk 410 Crore Investment
The master plan proposes an estimated investment of Tk 410 crore, according to Dr Md Wasiul Islam, Deputy Chief of Party of the initiative and a professor at the Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline of Khulna University.
He said the plan is designed as a long-term strategy rather than a short-term tourism project, focusing on environmental protection alongside economic development.
Stakeholder-Driven and Community-Oriented Model
Dr Wasiul Islam said the plan was developed through consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, law enforcement bodies, port authorities, tour operators, and residents of Sundarbans-adjacent areas. A community-oriented eco-tourism model forms the foundation of the plan, ensuring local participation and shared benefits.
Foreign Visitors Seen as Key to Economic Returns
The blueprint places special emphasis on attracting international tourists in order to increase foreign exchange earnings. Dr Wasiul Islam explained that while domestic tourism supports local circulation of money, international tourism introduces new revenue into the national economy, contributing to long-term economic stability and growth.
Environmental Conservation Takes Priority
Unlike conventional tourism projects that rely heavily on infrastructure expansion, the master plan prioritises conservation and sustainable practices.
Developed over nearly two years, it includes a detailed technical roadmap aimed at protecting biodiversity while allowing controlled tourism growth.
Project officials believe the approach will help strengthen conservation efforts, expand the tourism sector, and create durable economic opportunities for communities living near the forest.
USAID Support and Institutional Collaboration
The initiative is funded by the American people and supported financially and technically by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Bangladesh Forest Department is implementing the project in partnership with Solimar International under the USAID Eco-Tourism Activity Pilot Project.
Alternative Livelihoods to Reduce Forest Dependence
The master plan seeks to reduce local dependence on forest resources by promoting tourism-based alternative livelihoods. Community involvement during the planning stage is expected to minimise conflict and ensure social, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits for local residents.
Eco-Guides and Disaster Preparedness Measures As part of the initiative, more than 200 eco-guides have already been trained to manage tourist movement, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and improve visitor safety. The plan also aims to strengthen the Sundarbans’ resilience to natural disasters such as cyclones and tidal surges by easing pressure on the ecosystem.
Forest Officials Stress Need for Responsible Tourism
Md Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests of the Khulna Circle, said the Sundarbans receives around 200,000 visitors each year. He noted that managing such numbers while ensuring environmental protection and effective waste management remains a major challenge.
He described the master plan as a timely initiative that promotes responsible eco-tourism and is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Tour Operators Call for Better Facilities
Tour operators have welcomed the initiative but highlighted longstanding infrastructure challenges. Nazmul Azam David, General Secretary of the Tour Operators Association of the Sundarbans (TOAS) and Managing Director of Rupantar Eco-Tourism, said basic facilities such as emergency medical care, safe accommodation, clean drinking water, and security remain inadequate.
He also pointed out that several watchtowers and jetties inside the forest are in poor condition, underscoring the need for planned and sustainable improvements.
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