Tanguar Haor is a Ramsar site wetland in Bangladesh, a crucial habitat for many species and an important resource for local livelihoods. The Government of Bangladesh declared Tanguar Haor as an Ecologically Critical Area in 1999, considering its critical condition due to over-exploitation of its natural resources, and in the next year it was declared as a Ramsar site (GoB, 2004). This Ramsar-designated site is home to more than 140 species of freshwater fish, a sanctuary for migratory birds, and a lifeline for nearly 60,000 people living in 88 surrounding villages. Although Tanguar Haor is an ecologically important area, due to excessive resource extraction, unregulated tourism activities, and limited conservation of biodiversity, this area is facing many challenges. The fastest growth of tourism has established economic opportunities in the region, but it has also led to environmental degradation, such as water pollution, sound pollution, habitat destruction, and wildlife disasters (IUCN, Bangladesh, 2015)
Tourism in Tanguar Haor: A dual reality
Over the decade, Tanguar Haor's tourism activities have steadily increased. Once a peaceful wetland that was primarily frequented by local fishermen and bird watchers, the area is now a renowned tourist place for both national and international tourists. Visitors come to enjoy its scenic beauty, boat rides, and the distinctive wetland environment. Many locals now have more economic options.
Many locals are currently depending on tourism as a source of income, particularly those who are working in the service, hospitality, and transportation sectors. The influx of tourists has directly benefited guides, boatmen, and small business owners. Many residents who used to fish and farm for a living are now working in the tourism industry. A local boatman described how tourism has changed his livelihood:
“Tourism in Tangua has changed my life a lot. When tourism was not very famous here, I used to fish for a living. But now, I earn well by taking tourists around the haor in my small boat. I also rent out life jackets to them, which increases my income.”
However, the advantages of tourism are not without cost. The degradation of water quality, primarily due to tourist waste, is one of the most significant issues. The Haor is famous for its rich biodiversity and clean freshwater resources, but it has been increasingly affected by pollution due to the rise in tourist activities. The region's waste management system is under increased pressure due to tourist waste, including plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable items.
Local fishermen and community elders reported a decline in fish populations, attributing this to water pollution and the destruction of breeding habitats. A community leader commented:
“We see more plastic in the water now than fish. Tourists often throw waste into the harbor, and the engine noise scares away birds.”
Sustainable ecotourism as a pathway to climate resilience
Sustainable ecotourism can be a solution to this dilemma. When proper planning and implementation are possible, ecotourism can enhance biodiversity conservation and provide less vulnerable alternative income sources in the face of climate change-related risks. Based on the findings collected from interviews, three key pillars emerged, which are needed to promote climate-resilient ecotourism in Tanguar Haor.
Promoting low-impact and nature-based tourism
Many local participants expressed a preference for tourism activities that have minimal environmental impact while providing substantial socio-economic benefits to local communities. These activities have been specifically labeled as 'haor-friendly,' meaning they inflict less harm on the biodiversity of Tanguar Haor. The most frequently mentioned activities include bird watching, traditional boat trips, and seasonal tours of the haor.
There are two advantages to such nature-based tourism activities, according to local residents: they contribute to the preservation of wetland habitats and provide jobs in the area. For example, birdwatching activities help protect vulnerable areas by getting tourists to look at wildlife without bothering it. Another popular activity is traditional boat cruises, which let guests appreciate the beauty of the haor while keeping their carbon footprint low.
One houseboat owner shared the following sentiment:
"If tourists explore the Haor with a local guide to show them around and teach them about the area, it's good for the Haor and creates jobs for locals."
Developing eco-friendly infrastructure
The locals mentioned the need for an eco-friendly infrastructure that not only serves tourists but also mitigates the negative impacts of tourism on the environment. The necessity of eco-lodges made from natural materials has been repeatedly emphasized, as these types of accommodations will blend with the natural environment and promote the sustainable use of resources. In addition, participants have demanded public waste bins, clean water stations, and improved sanitation facilities in tourist areas. These infrastructure developments are considered extremely important to ensure that tourism does not harm the environment but instead helps preserve the beauty of the wetlands. The president of the Tahirpur Tourism Association stated:
“If tourists follow the administration's guidelines regarding tourism and a structured waste management system is effectively implemented, pollution in the Haor will decrease; consequently, it will also protect the environment of the Haor and provide a better experience for tourists.”
Infrastructure that aligns with ecological principles benefits the environment and enhances the visitor experience, making tourism more sustainable in the long term.
Strengthening community-based tourism and governance
The study's significant finding is the limited involvement of local communities in decision-making related to tourism. While they face the consequences of environmental degradation, many residents remain excluded from planning and policy discussions. Therefore, some powerful actors concentrate the benefits of tourism, resulting in a negative impact on ordinary fishermen, farmers, and women. Community-Based Tourism (CBT) offers a model in which local people actively participate in tourism management and contribute to the decision-making process to ensure their area's development. This model allows for the equitable distribution of tourism's financial benefits among the locals and the implementation of conservation initiatives. A local youth commented on this issue:
"If we participate in the decision-making process of tourism, we will be able to ensure the proper use of tourism. As a result, it will benefit the people of our community and also protect the environment.
Conclusion
The story of Tanguar Haor reflects a larger challenge of maintaining a balance between development and conservation. Unregulated tourism and fragmented governance have put this wetland and its communities at risk. However, sustainable eco-tourism suggests a promising path. To realize this potential, the following aspects are important: highlighting nature-based and community-based tourism models; creating infrastructure to maintain environmental integrity; ensuring meaningful participation of local communities, especially women and youth; and integrating tourism development with national climate and conservation strategies.
Through conscious and inclusive decision-making, Tanguar Haor can serve as a benchmark for climate-resilient wetland management in Bangladesh. In this journey, the voices of local communities and the leadership of youth will be essential in shaping a sustainable future for all.