We’re working with the people of East Khejuria Village, a remote community in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. The village is located near the Dhangmari River, where the government established a sanctuary to protect endangered Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins. Unfortunately, sanctuary rules are rarely enforced, and illegal fishing practices threaten the dolphins and other wildlife.

Our project, in partnership with the Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS), works with members of East Khejuria’s fishing community to monitor the reserve and ensure that the rules are being followed. These fishers, who spend much of their time on the river, are ideally positioned to help protect it, and have agreed to monitor and help enforce the rules of the dolphin sanctuary for the next 10 years!

In exchange for this commitment to conservation, Seacology is funding critically needed improvements for the village. These include solar power and water purification equipment, which will provide lights and clean water to families with little access to either. Seacology and BEDS are also helping East Khejiria residents develop livelihoods by giving them the tools and training to sustainably produce goods from the mangrove ecosystem that surrounds them. In a remote area that lacks many necessities and has few ways to make a living this support can be life-changing.

Every gift to our campaign, large and small, will go directly to this project and will make a meaningful difference for the wildlife of the Sundarbans and the people of East Khejuria Village. We hope you’ll support and share our project.