INTEGRATING ECOTOURISM FOR SUNDARBAN CONSERVATION & LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT AT DHANGMARI VILLAGE, DACOPE, KHULNA.

Project idea

Context and Rationale
Dangmari Village, in the Dacope Upazila of Khulna District, Bangladesh, is adjacent to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area faces economic challenges and environmental threats. The project aims to leverage the region's ecological and cultural assets for sustainable development.

Project Concept:
The project proposes community-based ecotourism in Dangmari Village, emphasizing economic opportunities, conservation, and cultural preservation. Key components include eco-friendly tourist accommodations, a multifunctional community learning space that also serves as a cyclone shelter, and a community hub with a market, multipurpose area, and temple.

Goals and Objectives:
*Economic Empowerment: Generate sustainable income and develop local enterprises.
*Biodiversity Conservation: Promote responsible tourism and conservation education.
*Cultural Preservation: Preserve local heritage and integrate traditional architecture.
*Disaster Resilience: Enhance preparedness with a cyclone shelter and response plans.

Implementation Strategy:
*Engage local residents in planning and training.
*Construct eco-friendly infrastructure.
*Develop guided tours and cultural programs.
*Monitor and evaluate project impact.

Expected Outcomes:
*Increased income and improved livelihoods.
*Enhanced conservation and cultural preservation.
*Improved disaster resilience.

Project description

Project Scope:
The project focuses on leveraging the ecological and cultural assets of the Sundarbans to foster sustainable development in Dangmari Village. It aims to create economic opportunities, enhance biodiversity conservation, preserve cultural heritage, and improve disaster resilience.

Key Components:
*Tourist Accommodations: Eco-friendly lodges and homestays.
*Community Learning Space/Cyclone Shelter: Multifunctional building for education and emergency shelter.
*Community Hub: Central space with a market, multipurpose area, and temple.

Objectives:
*Economic Empowerment: Sustainable income and local enterprise development.
*Biodiversity Conservation: Responsible tourism and conservation education.
*Cultural Preservation: Heritage preservation and traditional architecture.
*Disaster Resilience: Infrastructure and preparedness plans.

Implementation Strategy:
*Engage residents in planning and training.
*Use sustainable practices in construction and operation.
*Develop guided tours and cultural programs.
*Regularly monitor and evaluate impact.
*Increased income and improved livelihoods.
*Enhanced conservation efforts.
*Strengthened cultural identity.
*Improved disaster resilience.

Technical information

Site Location and Analysis:

*Location: Dangmari Village, near the Sundarbans, 50 km from Khulna.
*Environmental Conditions: Tropical climate, cyclone-prone, rich biodiversity.

Infrastructure Development:
*Tourist Accommodations: Eco-friendly lodges with solar power, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets.
*Community Learning Space/Cyclone Shelter: Reinforced concrete structure, emergency supplies, and space for 200 people.
*Community Hub: Sustainable materials, market stalls, meeting hall, and temple.

Sustainable Practices:
*Energy: Solar panels.
*Water Management: Rainwater harvesting and recycling.
*Waste Management: Composting toilets and waste segregation.

Tourism Activities:
*Guided Tours: Focus on wildlife and environmental education.
*Cultural Programs: Showcase local traditions and crafts.
*Workshops: Education on conservation and disaster preparedness.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building:
*Training Programs: Hospitality, guiding, conservation, and emergency response.
*Participation: Involvement in decision-making.

Monitoring and Evaluation:
*Impact Assessment: Surveys and data analysis.
*Feedback Mechanism: Continuous improvement based on feedback.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
*Emergency Plans: Evacuation routes and safety protocols.
*Cyclone Shelter: Strategically located and well-equipped.