Understanding the Value of Local Ecological Knowledge and Practices for Habitat Restoration in Human-Altered Floodplain Systems: A Case from Bangladesh |
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Authors: | Abdullah-Al Mamun |
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Institution: | (1) Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, 303-70 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MN, R3T 2N2, Canada;(2) Present address: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfred Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada |
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Abstract: | Worldwide there is a declining trend in natural fish catch (FAO, The state of world fisheries and aquaculture. , 2002) and Bangladesh is no exception. The vast inland fisheries of Bangladesh have been declining over the years, largely a result
of human alteration of the aquatic habitats arising from human interventions in the floodplain systems such as the establishment
of water control structures which favor agricultural production but reduce fish habitats. It can be assumed that conventional
management measures are not adequate to conserve natural fisheries and exploring alternative knowledge systems to complement
existing management is warranted. This paper focuses on local ecological knowledge and several other local practices held
by fishers engaging directly with floodplain ecosystems. These knowledge systems and practices may be valuable tools for understanding
ecosystems processes and related changes and developing local level responses to avert negative consequences of such changes.
This may help in devising alternatives to ecosystem management and the conservation of floodplain fish habitats of Bangladesh
and elsewhere in the world. This study was conducted in a natural depression (locally called beel) and its surrounding floodplain system located in north central Bangladesh which has become highly degraded. The results
of the study indicate that the fishers and local users of the floodplain ecosystems are rich in local ecological knowledge
concerning the hydrology of the floodplains and small lakes, the habitat preferences of fish, the role of agricultural crops
on fish habitats, and the impact of habitat human interventions in aquatic ecosystems. Given the apparent inadequacy of the
present management regime, this article argues for an inclusion of local knowledge and practices into habitat management as
a more holistic approach to floodplain habitat restoration and conservation that encourages multi-level cooperation and which
builds on diversified knowledge systems. |
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