Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Reduction in the Sundarbans
Date: Sunday, 20 April 2025 | Venue: Hotel Castle Salam, Khulna
Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO, in collaboration with Arannayk Foundation and The Bengal Tours Ltd., successfully organized a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop under the Plastic Reduction Initiative in Sundarbans Transboundary International Natural Ecosystems (PRISTINE) project, supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared by Bangladesh and India, is a rich and fragile ecosystem facing growing threats from plastic pollution. Each year, thousands of tourists visit the region, generating significant amounts of single-use plastic (SUP) waste that harms local wildlife, degrades natural habitats, and poses health risks to communities that depend on the forest.
In response to this pressing issue, the workshop brought together key stakeholders, including local tour operators, tourism association representatives, environmental NGOs, conservationists, and community leaders. The aim was to raise awareness, encourage behavioral change, and foster collective action toward reducing SUP usage during tourism activities in the Sundarbans.
The workshop featured a keynote presentation based on ESDO’s waste audit findings from the tourist zones of the Sundarbans, highlighting the types, volumes, and sources of plastic waste. Participants engaged in thematic group discussions on topics such as the environmental impacts of SUP, community partnerships, and seasonal action planning. An open reflection session allowed participants to share insights and commit to practical solutions.
The workshop led to increased awareness among tour operators about the environmental risks of single-use plastics, the development of draft action plans for eco-friendly tour practices, and stronger collaboration with local communities for sustainable waste management. Participants also committed to promoting reusable alternatives during the upcoming tourist season.
This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering sustainable tourism and protecting the Sundarbans from plastic pollution. ESDO and its partners remain committed to supporting the long-term conservation of this vital ecosystem through inclusive, solution-driven engagement.
