DHAKA, BANGLADESH (Oct. 23, 2025) – The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and WorldFish have received a $5.5 million grant from the Blue Action Fund to launch Sustho Sagor (“Healthy Ocean”), a landmark initiative to expand Bangladesh’s Marine Protected Area network and safeguard more than 12,700 km² (just bigger than all of Jamaica) of critical marine habitat across the Bay of Bengal.

Over five years, the project will strengthen protection for the country’s two existing MPAs and establish new conservation zones, including Bangladesh’s first Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), while improving the livelihoods and resilience of more than 155,000 fishers and coastal residents who depend on a healthy ocean.

“Blue Action Fund is pleased to invest in the Sustho Sagor project, which aims to promote healthy marine ecosystems and resilient coastal communities in Bangladesh,” said Markus Knigge, Executive Director Blue Action Fund. “We are confident that the combined strengths and expertise of the implementing partners will ensure effective delivery and lasting impact. This collaboration represents an important step towards supporting Bangladesh in achieving its goal of protecting and conserving 30 percent of its ocean area by 2030.”

Building on nearly two decades of pioneering marine conservation work, Sustho Sagor continues WCS Bangladesh’s legacy of science-driven partnerships with government agencies and coastal communities. The initiative will enhance protection and management in the Swatch of No Ground and Nijhum Dwip MPAs and extend conservation to new priority coastal zones through the establishment of Bangladesh’s first marine OECM.

“Our journey has been one of discovery and partnership,” said Nadim Parves, Marine Conservation Program Manager for WCS Bangladesh. “From identifying ocean giants to supporting the government in creating science-based MPAs, we have consistently worked with coastal communities and agencies to balance biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods. The Sustho Sagor project is the natural evolution of this work, scaling up our efforts for greater impact.”

The project builds upon nearly two decades of groundbreaking marine conservation work by WCS Bangladesh. Past achievements have laid a critical foundation, including pioneering research that revealed coastal Bangladesh as a global stronghold for ocean giants including cetaceans, sharks, rays, and marine turtles, as well as hosting the world’s largest population of Endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and genetically unique populations of Vulnerable Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins. This robust scientific research, supported by citizen science fisherman and fish landing site data collector networks, directly informed the establishment of Bangladesh’s three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – the Swatch of No Ground, Nijhum Dwip, and Saint Martin – covering 5.7% of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Dr. Md. Zahangir Alom, Country Director for WCS Bangladesh, added, “The Sustho Sagor project is designed to directly address the challenges facing the country’s vital marine ecosystems. It will strengthen protection for the existing Swatch of No Ground and Nijhum Dwip MPAs and establish a new OECM, creating a connected network of protected habitats spanning over 12,700 km². A key focus will be on improving governance by enhancing the capacity of the Bangladesh Forest Department, Department of Fisheries, and Coast Guard to manage these areas effectively.”

Working closely with the Government of Bangladesh, coastal communities, and the private sector, WCS and WorldFish will strengthen fisheries governance, improve biodiversity monitoring and enforcement, and diversify local livelihoods through nature-based and alternative income opportunities. The project will directly benefit more than 155,000 people, including 1,400 households in communities adjacent to MPAs, while advancing inclusive participation and gender equity through Women’s Income & Nutrition Groups (WING) and Fisheries Conservation Groups (FCGs).

“The success of marine conservation is inextricably linked to the well-being of local communities,” said Md. Nahiduzzaman, Project Lead at WorldFish. “Our role in the Sustho Sagor project is to ensure that communities are empowered as active stewards of their marine resources. By co-developing diversified and resilient livelihood options, we are building a future where both people and nature can thrive. This partnership with WCS Bangladesh and the Blue Action Fund is a powerful model for integrated ocean management.”

By 2029, Sustho Sagor aims to catalyze a new era of ocean stewardship in Bangladesh – linking healthy marine ecosystems with thriving coastal communities and demonstrating how national action can advance global conservation commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

“Sustho Sagor is more than a conservation project; it’s an investment in people,” said Madhu Rao, Interim Regional Director, South Asia, WCS. “By linking healthy marine ecosystems with thriving communities, we are creating a sustainable blueprint for strengthening MPA effectiveness and improving the well-being of people dependent on fishing in Bangladesh. We are grateful to the Blue Action Fund for their support in this transformative endeavor.”

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WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society)
MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: 347-840-1242.

About the 30x30 Ocean Accelerator
WCS’s 30x30 Ocean Accelerator is mobilizing the financial and technical resources needed to protect 1,000,000 km2 of new ocean area by 2030. Our vision is a world where inclusive, effective conservation safeguards biodiversity, supports local livelihoods, and drives prosperity.

From community-managed coastal waters to biodiversity-rich transboundary seascapes, the Accelerator currently works across 26 countries and 117 marine protected and conserved areas, ensuring sustainable, inclusive governance, and science-driven management in collaboration with local and regional partners.