Economic activities decrease biodiversity in Hakaluki haor, the largest inland fresh water ecosystem in Bangladesh

A study was conducted to investigate the economic activities in Hakaluki haor and their impact on haor ecosystem. The study revealed that three categories of land are prevalent in Hakaluki haor including agricultural land, beels (the deepest part of haor) and kandas (the outer portion of the haor) comprising 21%, 25% and 54% of the total land area of Hakaluki haor (18386ha) respectively. The socioeconomic condition of surrounding people is poor. The mean annual household income was calculated to be Tk.81375 (Tk.70=1US Dollar) where agriculture is the main occupation of 36% households. Agriculture, grazing, and fishing are the main economic activities involving 74%, 93% and 65% households respectively. Average annual income per household from fish capture, fish culture and fish trading are Tk. 13570, Tk. 8716 and Tk. 30000 respectively and about half of the households are involved in fish capture. 91% of households think that over exploitation of resources and existing management system are the main threats for Hakaluki haor. Consequently the natural resources are being depleted day by day along with a considerable loss in biological diversity. A number of nongovernmental organizations are working to improve the situation. Some of their initiatives are expected to favour the conservation programme. However, those efforts are not adequate to conserve haor resources. A review of the current management policy and development of a comprehensive and sustainable management strategy are urgent need to protect the natural resources form further degradation.