Mangrove Certification Policy
Keeper of the Mangrove — Traveler Handbook
Rupantar Eco-Tourism Ltd. | In association with MAJHI
M.B. UdoyTara · Sundarbans Reserved Forest, Bangladesh · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Welcome to the Keeper of the Mangrove Program
This handbook is your complete guide before you set foot on the boat. It tells you what we expect from every traveller who joins us in the Sundarbans, what you are entitled to, and how you can earn your Certificate of Achievement — a personal record of your journey through one of the world's last great wildernesses.
01 Certificate Eligibility
The Sundarbans Explorer Certificate of Achievement is awarded to travellers who go beyond sightseeing — who engage with the ecosystem, learn its secrets, and commit to leaving no trace.
It is not automatic. You earn it.
2.1 Who Can Earn the Certificate
- Any traveller aged 10 and above joining an official Rupantar Eco-Tourism Ltd. tour.
- Travellers on day trips are not eligible — the certificate requires a minimum overnight tour.
- Group bookings: each individual must meet requirements independently.
- Guides, crew, and forest guards are ineligible (they receive a separate staff recognition).
2.2 Mandatory Requirements
You must satisfy all of the following to be eligible for the certificate:
| # | Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete the full booked tour without early departure | Mandatory |
| 2 | Attend a minimum of 3 educational sessions during the tour | Mandatory |
| 3 | Participate in at least 2 hands-on activities | Mandatory |
| 4 | Follow all eco-tourism and safety guidelines throughout | Mandatory |
| 5 | Produce zero violations of the conduct policy | Mandatory |
| 6 | Share a reflection at the farewell storytelling circle | Mandatory |
2.3 Educational Sessions (Attend 3 of the following)
| Session Topic | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mangrove Awareness | Sundarbans biodiversity, ecosystem functions, conservation threats | 45 min |
| Wildlife Tracking | Royal Bengal Tiger behaviour, animal tracking, responsible viewing | 45 min |
| Responsible Eco-Tourism | Zero-waste travel, environmental impact, community economics | 30 min |
| Tidal Navigation | Traditional navigation, reading tidal patterns, river safety | 30 min |
| Honey & Heritage | Sundarbans folklore, Mowal honey traditions, forest culture | 30 min |
2.4 Hands-On Activities (Complete 2 of the following)
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Nature Trail Walk | Walk Tiger Tila or Andharmanik trail with a certified forest guide |
| Plastic Waste Collection | Participate in beach clean-up at Jamtala — documented with collection log |
| Nighttime Wildlife Observation | Supervised deck observation session after dusk with guide commentary |
| Traditional Navigation Exercise | Hands-on session with crew on reading river currents and tidal flow |
| Cultural Immersion Activity | Witness or participate in traditional honey collection or fishing demo |
2.5 How the Certificate is Issued
- Your guide tracks your participation throughout the tour using the onboard activity log.
- At the farewell storytelling circle on the final evening, completion is confirmed.
- Certificates are printed and signed by the Managing Director on departure day.
- A digital copy (PDF) is emailed within 5 working days of tour completion.
- Lost or damaged certificates can be reissued on request for a fee of Tk 200.
✅ What the Certificate Confirms
- ✓That you completed an immersive, responsible eco-tourism journey through the Sundarbans.
- ✓That you engaged actively with conservation, culture, and wilderness learning.
- ✓That you honoured the forest, its wildlife, and its communities throughout your visit.
- ✓Issued under the eco-tourism framework of the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD).
02 Certificate of Achievement — Format
The certificate below is the official format issued to every eligible traveller. It is printed on premium paper, signed by the Managing Director, and stamped with the Rupantar Eco-Tourism seal. The following shows the certificate exactly as you will receive it.
Note: Each certificate is unique and personalized with the traveller's name, the dates of their journey, and their unique achievements unlocked during their tour of the Sundarbans.