When Land Disappears, Can Wetlands be the Front Line of Hope?

What happens when our strongest natural defences against climate change are disappearing faster than we can protect them? From coastal mangroves to haors, floodplains, and urban wetlands, Bangladesh’s ecosystems are vital for protecting livelihoods, reducing climate risks, and sustaining biodiversity. Yet, despite strong policy commitments, fragmented governance, inadequate financing, and development pressures continue to threaten their survival. In this SustainEra blog, Rukhsar Sultana explores the gap between Bangladesh’s wetland conservation commitments and their implementation, highlighting how locally led adaptation, ecosystem-based planning, and decentralised climate finance can transform wetlands into a cornerstone of climate resilience.