51 Crop Diversification Once biodiversity-rich and today mostly densely populated floodplains and deltaic, Bangladesh suffered a massive loss of biodiversity especially during the time of the green revolution. To restore the biodiversity and to manage the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna floodplains with appropriate crops, RCE Greater Dhaka has started study on crop diversification, and traditional multiple and multi-story cropping culture, and engaged graduate students to study the local indigenous rice varieties which are in culture in different part of Bangladesh. The RCE increased awareness through programmes for youth and women that highlighted the importance of biodiversity and the genetic resources for food and nutrient security, as well as the protection of the region from environmental degradation. Other important projects of the RCE related to biodiversity are listed in Box 1. Another member of the RCE, CGEC, has been working on the Chittagong Hill Tracts on the eastern coast. The tracts are within 48 kilometres from the coastline and biodiversity and the conservation of the ethnic cultures and traditions of 11 tribal and indigenous people are important issues. At one time, Chittagong and the Chittagong Hill Tracts had deep mixed rainforests with diversified flora and fauna. The folded ranges are very important for the coast of the Bay of Bengal and their existence is essential to protect the coastline as well as the forest flora and fauna. The mysterious Halda River is the only natural fresh-water fish breeding ground for the genetically pure Indian carps, including Catla catla, Labeo rohita, L calbasu and Cirrhinus marigala, as well as other species of fish of South Asia. Upstream dam and deforestation that decreased fresh water flow from upstream, as well as salinity intrusion from the Bay of Bengal, have combined to push the breeding centre upward and egg production has declined sharply. A special awareness programme has been organised with students, youth, women, NGOs and local bodies against deforestation in the hills as well as in the coastal mangroves. The causes are being identified and protection measures have also been taken to ban fishing during the spawning season from the full moon of April to June. Although it was a difficult task, it has been successfully achieved by motivating local people and authorities. Box 1 RCE Greater Dhaka has been working on various projects to save biodiversity: 1. Formulation of a specific rule/law for ship-breaking industries to save coastal and marine environments. 2. Bringing more species under cropping culture to enrich biodiversity and for food and nutrient security. 3. Awareness programmes for protecting multiple cropping cultures like Jhum cultivation in the hilly zones of the monsoon climatic region. 4. A case study on the Uttara Model Town, Dhaka to encourage better environment, nutrition and health opportunities by connecting urban dwellers with nature and respecting the value of biodiversity. 5. Urban remodelling to keep sufficient space for biomass recycling and gray water use for food production. 6. Awareness programmes to protect Sal Forest from urban industrial pressure. 7. Protection of migratory birds in Hakaloki and Tangoir Haor lakes. 8. Homestead farming for self-employment and to ensure biodiversity. 9. Indigenous cultures, practices and wide range uses of hundreds of species in a limited space widened the implication of biodiversity. 10. Programme of WWOF Bangladesh (RCE member) for learning from the farmers to respect organic culture, as well as an education programme to involve the students in sustainable agriculture. Learning and Actions to Save Mangrove Forests RCE Greater Dhaka has placed an emphasis on natural triple-tier defense mechanisms of mangrove forests and the hill ranges as a strong wind barrier along Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar shoreline. Sundarban, Chokoria Sundarban mangrove forests are under threat of destruction due to uncontrolled logging, agricultural expansion, and shrimp culture and for ship-breaking industries. Along with the forests, many flora and fauna, including the great fish resources, are destroyed in many areas. Khulna University and University of Science and Technology, Chittagong has been conducting an awareness programme involving local communities to help save them. 5
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity
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