The enchanting beauty of the Sundarbans mangrove forest hides a harsh reality. This UNESCO World Heritage site, spanning the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, is not only a treasure trove of biodiversity but also the lifeline of millions. A recent study by BRAC Microfinance sheds light on the difficulties faced by the fishermen of Sundarbans, where 95% of them are caught in debt-trap. The need for urgent intervention is apparent, not just for the well-being of these fishermen but for the preservation of this natural wonder. The Sundarbans, intersected by tidal waterways and salt-tolerant mangrove forests, is…

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef of the Maldives held discussions with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to enhance their bilateral relationship and explore new avenues of cooperation. During the meeting, Vice President Latheef expressed appreciation for the technical support provided to the Maldives by the WTO. He highlighted the government’s commitment to further cooperation and collaboration. The discussion additionally covered the need for restructuring Maldives’ debt and explored methods to augment foreign direct investment. Vice President Latheef is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, participating in a high-level event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal…

Fishermen in Bangladesh's southeastern Cox's Bazar district, which is situated along the Bay of Bengal, are now busy drying fish in the traditional way. In Bangladesh, mid-October to mid-February is the peak fish drying season when open-air drying using sun and wind has been done since ancient times. Nazirar Tek village under Cox’s Bazar district is the largest dried fish-producing village in the country, thousands have made temporary settlements for fish drying under the sun. Locally known as "shutki palli," ( Dry fish village) meaning the place where dried fish is produced, Cox's Bazar produces reportedly 0.15 million tonnes of…

The European Union (EU) has pledged to provide EUR 6.375 million (around USD 7 million) grants to Cambodia to support reforms of its fisheries sector. The information was shared by EU Ambassador to Cambodia, Igor Driesmans, in a meeting here on December 4th with Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, during which they discussed a wide range of issues in a constructive manner including sustainable agriculture and fisheries. The grants will be used to support key areas of the fisheries reform, such as monitoring, control and surveillance, flooded forest protection, conservation of marine fisheries, transfer of grants to…