Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, H: Environment & Earth Science, Volume 23 Issue 5

Interpreting the Haor Eco-System through Sustainable Design: Haor (Wetland) Eco- Interpretation Center, Moulvibazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh Md. Arif Mahtab Kabir α & Dr. Ayasha Siddiqua σ Abstract- Wetlands, known as 'Haors' in Bangladesh, are vital ecosystems that provide essential ecological services and support diverse biodiversity. However, they face increasing threats due to extensive tourists visits, unawareness about environment preservation and unsustainable development practices. The "Haor Eco-Interpretation Center" in Moulvibazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh, emerges as a pioneering initiative to address these challenges by combining environmental education and sustainable design principles. This paper provides an overview of the Haor Eco- Interpretation Center's objectives, strategies, and significance. The center serves as a unique model for interpreting the Haor ecosystem while promoting sustainability through its architectural and operational features. The key elements of this initiative include visitor education, research facilities, and eco- sensitive design principles. The Haor Eco-Interpretation Center embodies a harmonious coexistence between modern infrastructure and the fragile wetland environment. Its sustainable design incorporates green building technologies, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly construction materials. Through this project, the center aims to educate visitors about the importance of wetlands, the challenges they face, and the critical need for their conservation. Furthermore, the center fosters research and documentation of the Haor ecosystem, providing a platform for scientists and conservationists to study and preserve these vital wetlands. By merging education, research, and sustainable design, this center serves as a model for the Haor ecosystems and wetlands worldwide, offering a blueprint for balancing human development with environmental preservation. Keywords: wetlands, haor ecosystems, sustainable design, environmental education, conservation. I. I ntroduction etlands are considered as ecological valuable resources all over the world for the potential to support a wide variety of ecosystems and their significant impact on the sustainability of the environment. Haors are the native name for these wetlands in Bangladesh, and they play an essential role to the country's economy and the survival of many people and animal species. However, the serene beauty of these watery landscapes conceals a growing and pressing concern. The sensitive equilibrium of these ecosystems is threatened by frequent travel, ignorance of environmental protection, and irresponsible development methods, threatening their important ecological functions. In spite of these challenges, the "Haor Eco- Interpretation Center" in the beautiful area of Sylhet, Bangladesh, has emerged as a pioneering endeavor. This innovative project provides a groundbreaking example of how to comprehend and preserve Haor ecosystems by bringing together environmental education and sustainable design concepts. In the next section of the study, the many facets of this significant effort are examined, including its goals, techniques, and wider relevance in the context of wetland conservation. The mission of the Haor Eco-Interpretation Center is to combine human progress with environmental protection. The architectural and functional components of this integration are representative of its commitment to sustainability. The importance of wetlands as ecosystems, the challenges that they confront, and the pressing need to preserve them are all emphasized as part of the tourist experience. As well as being a place where people can learn, the center is also a key research facility, helping researchers get a better knowledge of Haor ecosystems and giving them a place to share their findings and collaborate on important conservation efforts. II. E cosystem of H akaluki H aor Hakaluki Haor is a marsh wetland ecosystem in Bangladesh's northeast. It is one of the greatest estuary wetland resources in Bangladesh and Asia. This Haor is circumscribed to the north by the Kushiara River and a portion of the Sonai Bardal River, to the west and south by the Fenchuganj-Kulaura railway, and to the east by the Kulaura-Beanibazar road (Figure.01). Hakaluki Haor has been designated as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) (ECA 2010), and its surface area is 181,15 km2. W Author α : Architect, Department of Architecture, Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. e-mail: ayasha9735@gmail.com Author σ : Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. © 2023 Global Journals 1 Year 2023 29 Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Volume XXIII Issue ersion I VV ( H )