In a landmark decision, the Government of Bangladesh has officially declared two ecologically significant wetlands in Rajshahi district as “Wildlife Sanctuaries for Wetland-Dependent Species.” The announcement was made on Wednesday through two separate gazette notifications issued by Forest Branch-2 of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The designated areas include 1.65 acres of wetland in Biljowana mouza of Tanore upazila and 15.08 acres in Bilbala mouza of Godagari upazila. These areas are now protected under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. This marks the first instance in the country where wetlands have been officially recognized and safeguarded specifically for the preservation of wetland-dependent wildlife.

Both Biljowana and Bilbala wetlands serve as vital habitats, particularly during the winter months, for a wide variety of local and migratory birds. These wetlands are known to host numerous avian species, including indigenous waterfowl such as moorhens, jacanas, white-breasted waterhens, little grebes, plovers, and pheasant-tailed jacanas. Alongside these native birds, a wide range of migratory ducks also flock to the area during the winter, such as the common pochard, ferruginous duck, tufted duck, gadwall, northern pintail, and northern shoveler.

Beyond avifauna, these wetlands support a diverse population of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, all of which are highly dependent on the unique wetland ecosystem for their survival. However, with growing population pressure and human-induced disturbances, the biodiversity of these wetlands has been increasingly under threat. Encroachment, pollution, and unregulated human activity have led to habitat degradation, putting many species at risk.

With the new designation as wildlife sanctuaries, these wetlands will now receive state protection aimed at ensuring the safety and sustainability of their wildlife populations. This will involve restrictions on activities that could harm the habitat or disturb the resident species, thereby contributing to the restoration and preservation of these delicate ecosystems.

In addition to conservation efforts, the sanctuaries are expected to serve as important sites for environmental education and research. Students, academics, and nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore and study the rich biodiversity of the region in a protected and regulated environment. The move is also seen as a step toward raising awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems and the need to preserve them in the face of climate change and human expansion.

Experts have praised the government’s initiative, noting that such proactive conservation measures are essential for sustaining the country’s ecological balance. The designation of these sanctuaries is expected to pave the way for similar protections for other vulnerable wetlands across the country.

The government’s decision reflects a broader commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, aligning with national and international obligations under conventions such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The official recognition of Biljowana and Bilbala as wildlife sanctuaries signals a meaningful advancement in Bangladesh’s efforts to protect its natural heritage.