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PANCD
PROPOSED
P R O T E C T E D A R E A N E T W O R K
F O R C E T A C E A N D I V E R S I T Y
The goal of the proposed Protected Area Network for Cetacean
Diversity (PANCD) is to conserve cetacean diversity in Bangladesh
now while the current population sizes of several species at global
risk are known to be sufficient for long-term survival if threats
can be reduced. The conservation approach is participatory,
pro-active, science-based and sensitive to the needs of local
stakeholders. The proposed network would consist of establishing
fairly small, multiple-use protected areas in mangrove channel and
deep-sea canyon waters where cetaceans occur in relatively high
numbers, and conducting broad-range activities in coastal waters
where the animals occur more wide spread. The project could also act
as an early warning system and informative tool for adaptive
management of the impacts of declining freshwater flows and
sea-level rise.
Three protected sits are proposed for Shushuks and Irrawaddy
dolphins in the Eastern Sundarban mangrove forest and a single
bi-national protected area is proposed for the Swatch-of-No-Ground,
which would include both Bangladesh and Indian waters. In coastal
waters connecting the forest to the deep sea, a range of
conservation measures would be employed to reduce accidental killing
of small cetaceans in fishing nets.
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