A community boat race initiative was first introduced in 2015 by the (SCOPE) Foundation under the Bangladesh Spoon-billed Sandpiper Conservation Project (BSCP) as an innovative approach to promoting coastal wetland and migratory shorebird conservation. Held in villages around Sonadia Island – an area of international importance for migratory shorebirds – the event draws on traditional boat racing to engage local communities and raise awareness about the conservation of threatened species and their habitats.
Organised at intervals of a few years, the boat races bring together teams from neighbouring villages, with each team often named after key migratory shorebird species. These events typically attract large local audiences and create opportunities to communicate conservation messages, particularly the need to reduce hunting pressure and protect coastal wetlands. Participation by local authorities and government representatives has further highlighted the relevance and visibility of the initiative.
By integrating cultural traditions with conservation objectives, the boat race has proven to be an effective platform for community engagement. The organisers aim to continue hosting the event periodically to strengthen long-term relationships with local communities and sustain conservation awareness in coastal Bangladesh.
