The largest freshwater natural wetlands in Bangladesh, Hakaluki haor, is home to a
variety of plant and animal species that have long supported reliant communities. The
research aimed to identify the socioeconomic standing and biodiversity of the
community by employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A six-month
field research in three villages in Hakaluki haor, Bangladesh, assessed the status of the
resource users and resources used by the haor-dependent community. The study reveals
that 27% of respondents engage in full-time fishing, while 37.2% are agriculturedependent. Most have primary-level education, leading to financial crises and poor
housing conditions. The vast fisheries resources are their main livelihood, but
economic crises and overexposure threaten wetland. The haor, a natural wetland, has
experienced significant environmental degradation due to agricultural drainage,
Jalmohal leasing systems, fishing pressure, overexploitation, siltation, soil erosion,
habitat destruction, hunting, and increasing population. Human encroachment and
inefficient enforcement have also led to a decline in floral and faunal diversity,
increasing inhabitants’ vulnerability. Effective management plans are crucial for
sustainable livelihoods.