Policy implications based on stakeholders’ perceptions for integrated management of the Halda River: Bangabandhu Fisheries Heritage of Bangladesh

The Halda River of Chattogram is an icon being the only tidal river supporting the spawning of the genetically pure major Indian carp species. Halda is declared as the Bangabandhu Fisheries Heritage due to the broader support for movement towards its conservation. Discrete studies addressed water quality, land-use changes, ecosystem valuation, etc. without taking an integrated heritage conservation approach. This study aims to elucidate priority policy interventions for its integrated management by mapping significant constraints against Halda conservation. Published journal articles, newspaper reports, and reports on Halda from different organizations served as secondary information sources. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires from 132 respondents from the egg collectors, tobacco farmers, and the rubber dam irrigation project users living in three Upazilas adjacent to the Halda River – Manikchhari, Hathazari, and Raozan. Key informant interviews were taken from the professionals of government and non-government institutions and researchers. Egg collectors appreciated the Upazila administration (65%) and the Department of Fisheries (48%) as effectively working institutions. Administrative bodies marked pollution (73%) as the main challenge in Halda conservation. Based on findings, recommendations were made which may assist the policymakers in developing strategies for integrated management of the river.