Coastal and marine conservation strategy for Bangladesh in the context of achieving blue growth and sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Abstract The coastal and marine ecosystem provides critical ecosystem services to millions of people living in a densely populated Bangladesh. In recent decades, the ecosystem faces a number of challenges derived from both natural and anthropogenic sources that put pressures on the sustainability of the social and ecological system. Moreover, the government recent initiatives to enhance the ocean-based blue economy and achieve sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14 calls for developing a comprehensive conservation strategy for the coastal and marine environment. Based on literature review and stakeholders consultation, this study formulated a detailed conservation strategy for the coastal and marine environment of Bangladesh. The strategy of nine interrelated sectors, their objectives and the action plan towards achieving these objectives were outlined. Implementing these strategies will play an instrumental role in enhancing blue growth and achieving sustainable development goals either directly or indirectly.