A B M Sarowar

Alam

 Having a strong academic background in wildlife and ecology, I have worked with renowned international and national organizations in the broad fields of natural resource management, biodiversity and species conservation, and the management of protected areas. My experience also includes overseeing multiple large-scale strategic programs involving complex stakeholders, including government entities, National  NGO and foreign donors.

Over the past 13 years, I have managed diverse projects and am currently serving as a Programme Manager at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Bangladesh. In this role, I am simultaneously leading multiple large-scale and strategically important projects and programs. Since 2014, I have successfully managed over 36 projects and am currently overseeing a project portfolio valued at nearly 2 million USD per year. These projects have encompassed a wide range of focus areas, including biodiversity conservation, species conservation, wetland and forest management, community-based conservation, protected area management, climate change, and nature-based solutions, among others

As a Programme Manager and Coordinator, I have led multi-year projects, ensuring their successful implementation within specified timelines and budgets. I have also overseen and managed large budgets and diverse teams of 25-30 project staff, consultants, and resource persons across multiple locations simultaneously.

My experience includes collaborating with government entities such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Bangladesh Forest Department, the Department of Environment, and the Department of Fisheries. I have worked closely with high officials and project directors in these organizations, and most of my projects have been directly linked to government partnerships. For example, I am currently managing three government-funded projects, including: the 'Developing the Bangladesh National Red List of Plants and Management Strategy for Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Selected Protected Areas (PAs) Project' (USD 717,718). This project requires me to maintain direct communication and work closely with the Secretary, Additional Secretary of the MoEFCC, and the Chief Conservator of Forests in the Forest Department.

I led the development of several management and strategic plans for the government, including the Bangladesh Vulture Conservation Action Plan (2016-2025), which is being implemented by the Forest Department. Additionally, I have overseen the creation of three other conservation and management strategy action plans. I also contributed to the development of the Management Plan for Nijhum Dwip Marine Protected Area, Bangladesh’s second MPA, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

I have worked with multiple donor organizations and gained substantial experience managing projects funded by renowned international institutions, including the World Bank, ADB, USAID, USDA, GIZ, FAO, GCA, UNDP, SDC, SIDA, GCA, UNHCR and RSPB etc.

Apart from my work in international and national wildlife conservation, I am passionately involved with local communities to enhance their technical capabilities and strengthen bottom-up nature conservation approaches. This includes biodiversity assessment, sustainable management of natural resources, and raising awareness. My focus is on integrating local communities and ecosystem services to achieve long-term and sustainable natural resource management goals for Bangladesh