Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury
Who I am
Water has always felt like home to me, growing up as I did in a country of rivers and wetlands. This familiarity with water and the affection I feel for it nurtured a passion to protect and preserve its delicate ecosystems, especially the marine environment that we still have so much to learn about. Driven to explore both the depths and the shores of the seas, I gained my PhD in zoology (with a focus on wetland ecology) from Cambridge University. I have spent more than a decade researching the impacts of pollution and climate change on aquatic environments, particularly in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. My work focuses on understanding the interactions between marine species and their habitats, with an emphasis on the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices and for conservation efforts.
Where I work
I am based at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where I returned after completing my PhD. As the founder of the Aquatic Zoology Research Group and a lead researcher in various projects, I have published extensively in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to our understanding of microplastic contamination and freshwater ecosystems, and how these two are interacting to cause irreparable damage to the marine environment. Our project sites range from the bustling urban waterways of Dhaka to the pristine marine shores of the Bay of Bengal. These locations are critical for biodiversity, serving as habitats for numerous aquatic species while also facing significant threats from pollution, overfishing and habitat degradation. The unique interaction between freshwater and marine environments in these regions creates a rich tapestry of life that is both delicately beautiful and fatally vulnerable.
What I do
For my work as a tenured professor and researcher, a typical day involves a blend of field research and laboratory analysis while imparting knowledge about how to conserve aquatic habitats to the minds that will shape our future. My team collaborates closely with local communities, government agencies and international organisations to address these challenges. By conducting field studies and community engagement programmes, we aim to foster a sense of stewardship for our natural resources while enhancing the livelihoods of those who depend on them. As a passionate advocate for sustainable practices, I also contribute to policy discussions at regional and national levels, striving to influence decision-makers into taking more effective environmental protection measures. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, fuelling my commitment to marine conservation and inspiring hope for a sustainable future.