01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-09-0045 |
| Title of Abstract | Citizen Science-Driven Habitat Analysis and Biodiversity Hotspot Mapping for Conservation along the South-Central Coast of Bangladesh |
| Authors | Fairuz Faria Saika*, Dr. Subrata Sarker |
| Organisation | Shahjalal University of Science and Technology |
| Address | Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Dhaka, Sylhet, Bangladesh Pincode: 3100 E-mail: fairuzfaria123@gmail.com |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | The ongoing decline in coastal and marine biodiversity has become a global issue, underscoring the urgent need for effective conservation strategies. Similarly, considering the current environmental challenges and anthropogenic pressures, Bangladesh must also prioritize the development and implementation of such strategies. Considering this into account, present study aimed to identify biodiversity hotspot to support conservation initiative around the South-Central Coast of Bangladesh, particularly in the Kuakata region. Citizen science-based approach was used to collect the data on fishing zone, ecological habitats of species and overall biodiversity hotspots from June 2023 to July 2024. In addition, stakeholder consultations were performed to identify the stressors and develop the preliminary biodiversity conservation plan. We identified three clusters in fishing activities, mostly concentrated around the central region of the aquatic ecosystem of the Kuakata coast. Analyzing the habitats of 12 key species, we identified three biodiversity hotspots. The hotspot with maximum density was found near the coast while two other hotspots are located in the central and offshore regions. Overexploitation, unsustainable fishing, pollution, a decline in stock, warming trend and reduced primary productivity were identified as the major stressors for the ecosystem. Stakeholder consultations suggested that implementing locally adapted conservation measures can be a potential conservation strategy through developing and implementing a proper management plan. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for biodiversity conservation in data-deficient marine regions, particularly in developing nations. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Biodiversity, habitat, citizen-science, conservation, Bangladesh |
| For Awards | no |