Save Innocent Birds Trapped in Deadly Nets

Reporting Period: November 2025 – February 2026
Organization: Green Fund Initiative, New York, USA
Project Location: Bangladesh
Reported by: Anisur Rahman | Country Coordinator

Executive Summary

During the period from November 2025 to February 2026, the Save Innocent Birds Trapped in Deadly Nets project continued its mission to protect local and migratory birds endangered by fishing nets. Although we did not receive new donations to expand operations, our dedicated community volunteers demonstrated exceptional commitment.

Despite financial constraints, the volunteers successfully rescued and rehabilitated 27 birds across multiple species during this period. Awareness programs also continued in local communities, aiming to educate fish farmers about the risks posed by harmful nets and to encourage safer practices.

The unwavering engagement of our volunteers highlights the resilience of community-based conservation and the critical role of local participation in protecting vulnerable wildlife.

Key Activities and Accomplishments

1. Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation

   • 27 birds of various species were rescued from entanglement in fishing nets.

   • Rescued birds received immediate care, first aid, and, where needed, were housed temporarily before safe release.

   • Volunteers prioritized rapid response and ensured that even without additional funding, birds received necessary attention.

2. Awareness and Community Engagement

   • Awareness sessions continued in communities around fish ponds.

   • Local fish farmers were educated about the dangers of tightly woven nets to bird populations and encouraged to adopt bird-safe alternatives.

   • While engagement is ongoing, these sessions are laying the foundation for gradual behavior change in the community.

3. Volunteer Commitment

   • Our network of local volunteers remained active, conducting regular patrols, rescuing trapped birds, and facilitating awareness sessions.

   • Their dedication has been instrumental in sustaining project outcomes despite the lack of new financial support.

Challenges Faced

• Funding Shortages: The absence of new donations limited the project’s ability to expand, procure additional rescue equipment, or enhance rehabilitation facilities.

• Limited Resources for Rehabilitation: Financial constraints restricted medical supplies, temporary housing capacity, and transportation for injured birds.

• Ongoing Threats from Nets: Some farmers continue to use harmful nets, necessitating ongoing advocacy and community engagement.

Future Plans

• Sustain Community Engagement: Continue awareness programs to gradually influence safer fish-farming practices.

• Strengthen Volunteer Support: Explore low-cost ways to provide additional resources and training for volunteers to improve rescue efficiency.

• Seek Funding Opportunities: Actively pursue new donors and partnerships to revive and expand field operations.

• Promote Bird-Safe Practices: Gradually introduce demonstration projects showing alternatives to deadly nets.

Conclusion

Even without new donations during this reporting period, the Green Fund Initiative achieved tangible outcomes, including the rescue and rehabilitation of 27 birds and ongoing community awareness efforts.

The dedication of our volunteers has remained the cornerstone of this project, ensuring that conservation momentum continues. With renewed financial support, we aim to enhance our operations, strengthen rehabilitation facilities, and foster a sustainable coexistence between fish farming and wildlife conservation in rural Bangladesh.