From Dhaka to Hakaluki

After three weeks in Dhaka fighting for final project approval we began our trek to Hakaluki haor which is about 6.5 hours northeast of the city near Kulaura to begin our research. As we traveled to Hakaluki the visible poverty level here is shocking and somewhat overwhelming.  

Our arrival in the early evening was punctuated with a beautiful sunset and the rural and hilly landscape was dotted with beautiful, lush tea plantations. That night our accommodations were provided by our conservation partner the Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB).  Although this organization bears our name we are not affiliated however we are happily aligned with WTB towards common goals.

This area is also vital to WTB's involvement with Wetlands International to restore wetlands and waterfowl. After the long journey I slipped into my bed draped by mosquito nets and recalled the day's events before closing my eyes in this remote part of the world.

Reporting from Bangladesh, EcoHealth Alliance scientist Kurt Vandegrift is working toward monitoring highly pathogenic Avian influenza in wild migratory waterfowl.