With 7.8 million people living in the Sundarbans Impact Zone and around 3.5 million directly and indirectly depending on forest resources, the importance of the Sundarbans as well as its vulnerability to excess population pressure cannot be understated. A lack of alternative income sources is jeopardizing the lives of many throughout the region. Many communities lack basic facilities including safe drinking water and adequate healthcare, education, and sanitation. As natural and anthropogenic hazards like climate change increasingly threaten food security and the overall health of the Sundarbans ecosystem, it is essential to recognize that societal and environmental health are inter-reliant. Failing to address socio-economic conditions will ultimately increase threats to the already fragile Sundarbans ecosystem.
Overcoming such multi-dimensional challenges demands an integration of business, conservation, and development goals. Innovative, long-term, and sustainable approaches are necessary to ensure the Sundarbans remain livable for current and future generations. Bangladesh Ecotourism and Conservation Alliance (BECA) is the first initiative of its kind to bring communities around the world together with private development sectors to support Sundarbans communities and promote growth in the Greater Sundarbans region through the establishment, management, and promotion of sustainable tourism. Concurrently, BECA will increase environmental awareness and values among community members and tourists, strengthen conservation practices, and reduce negative impacts in the Sundarbans.
BECA welcomes support from individuals, groups, and organizations worldwide in the pursuit to protect Sundarbans biodiversity and improve the wellbeing of local people. Members of the Bangladeshi diaspora community are especially encouraged to participate in efforts to upgrade the status of the Sundarbans into a world-class tourism destination. BECA, in conjunction with PanelXP of Bangladesh, has established the NRBhub.com platform to present investment opportunities in ecotourism and community-based development in the Sundarbans region to the rest of the world. The hub will raise awareness about Sundarbans issues among the Non-Resident Bangladeshi community, create the connections and engagement needed for members to launch localized initiatives, and inspire members to be part of the solutions.
The NRB community in America is diverse both professionally and socially. The NRB community exchanges collaboration in Art, Cultural & Research through the transfer of knowledge and expertise. Bangladeshis living aboard can engage the diaspora community to support the development of Bangladesh. Through the creation of the Bangladesh Ecotourism and Conservation Alliance, the Bangladeshi community living abroad has another unique opportunity to participate in conservation and strengthen the Tourism Industry in Bangladesh.
BECA in conjunction with PanelXP of Bangladesh has taken the initiative to establish the NRBhub.com platform to seamlessly present investment offerings in Ecotourism and CBD (Community Based Development) in the Sundarbans to the rest of the world. NRBhub.com creates the right connection between the NRB (Non-Resident Bangladeshi) community around the world and projects in Bangladesh through engagement & public relations and a vetting process for various causes supported by members of the Alliance.
BECA offers NRB community members abroad a way to feel connected to their home country by supporting any of the following initiatives:
- The Greater Sundarbans Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO),
- Investment Promotion,
- Sundarbans Artisan Cooperative,
- Sundarbans Ecovillages,
- Sundarbans Researchers Network,
- Women in Tourism Network,
- Sustainable Tourism Certification Program,
- Tourism for Community Benefits,
- Visitor Experience and Site Enhancements, and
- Workforce Development and Training.
Member support directly contributes to the development and expansion of community infrastructure, ensures access to basic amenities, enhances research and entrepreneurship opportunities, empowers women, and strengthens tourism facilities in the Sundarbans.
Click here to get involved and learn more about how to support the cause. If you are a Bangladeshi diaspora member interested in supporting our work, please get in touch with [email protected] today.
