A result-sharing and closeout workshop for the USAID’ s Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh II (ECOFISH II) Activity was held on Monday (21 October, 2024) at the Grand Ballroom, Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka.
This event marked the conclusion of a five-year initiative that has significantly impacted and transformed the coastal fisheries sector in Bangladesh.
The ECOFISH II Activity, implemented by WorldFish in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and various partners, has made significant strides in enhancing the resilience of coastal fisheries, ensuring food security, and improving livelihoods for coastal communities.
With over 72,000 direct beneficiaries from 15,000 artisanal fishing households, the project focused on some of the most vulnerable regions, including the Zone of Resilience (ZoR) in Cox’s Bazar, the Meghna River Estuary (MRE), and the Nijhum Dwip Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock attended the workshop as the chief guest while Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Md. Zillur Rahman, Director General, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh; Mr. Reed J. Aeschliman, Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh; Dr. Ann Elizabeth Fleming, Director Programs and Impact Management, WorldFish; Dr. Benoy Kumar Barman, Interim Country Representative, WorldFish Bangladesh as Special Guests.
Representatives from various governmental, non-governmental, WorldFish and academic institutions, as well as community leaders and beneficiaries also took part on the occasion.
ECOFISH II’s success lies in its holistic approach, which integrated community engagement, scientific research, and policy advocacy.
The project has demonstrated that sustainable fisheries management can not only protect marine ecosystems but also improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.
As Bangladesh continues to explore its blue economy potential, ECOFISH II’s lessons learned will be invaluable in guiding future initiatives.
