CRIS Project Launched: A Landmark Partnership for Sundarbans Conservation

Under the CRIS project, IUCN Bangladesh will lead a detailed faunal inventory inside the Sundarbans, along with several other scientific studies, including climate-risk assessments, socio-economic surveys, and GIS-based habitat and distribution mapping to support restoration efforts and strengthen resilience in both the reserved forest and its surrounding impact zone. The initiative will further engage forest-dependent communities in restoration and sustainable resource management across the 20-km Sundarbans Impact Zone (SIZ).

The ceremony began with the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding among BFD, AFD, and IUCN Bangladesh, followed by a financing agreement between AFD and IUCN—AFD’s first direct biodiversity conservation funding in Bangladesh. This milestone signals an expanded collaboration with MoEFCC on climate resilience and biodiversity action. 

IUCN Bangladesh

A B M Sarowar Alam, IUCN Bangladesh presenting the CRIS project overview

Speaking at the event, Ms Bipasha Hossain, Country Representative of IUCN Bangladesh, highlighted the urgency of coordinated, evidence-based action: “The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, spans over 6,017 km², a vital ecosystem for irreplaceable wildlife. Through CRIS, we aim to combine scientific research, traditional knowledge, and community experience to conserve this unique ecosystem, support restoration efforts and strengthen resilience in both the Reserved Forest and its surrounding impact zone. CRIS will also improve knowledge management and collaboration by building stronger data systems and support coordinated action among all partners,” she stated.

During the function, Mr Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the Sundarbans: “The Government of Bangladesh is committed to protecting the Sundarbans in line with national and international goals. We currently lack a full-scale faunal inventory focusing all the species, and we hope this project will contribute to building a reliable database to guide future conservation and management decisions. We also look forward to strengthening community patrol groups and enhancing restoration efforts in the Sundarbans.” 

IUCN Bangladesh

Cecilia Cortese sharing AFD’s remarks on the partnership.

From the development partner’s side, Ms Cecilia Cortese, Deputy Country Director of AFD Bangladesh, emphasized France’s long-standing commitment: “This partnership reflects our shared responsibility to protect the Sundarbans, home to keystone species such as the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, and many rare and threatened species. It also protects millions from cyclones and supports the livelihoods of communities across its impact zone. Together, we intend to contribute meaningfully to the conservation, restoration, and resilience of the world’s most unique natural treasures” she said.

IUCN Bangladesh

Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury closing the ceremony

The CRIS project supports several national and international policies and commitments, including among others the National Adaptation Plan, the Delta Plan 2100, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Through its work on biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and restoration activities, the project contributes to Bangladesh’s efforts for the sustainable management of the Sundarbans.