Safeguarding Policy - Bangladesh Nature Foundation

Organization: Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

Head Office: Sayman Road, Cox’s Bazar-4700, Bangladesh

Established: 2010

Legal Registration: Trust Board, Registration Deed No. 17789, Chittagong Government Registrar, Court Building, Lal Dighi, Chittagong, dated 21 September 2010

Policy Status: Public Organizational Policy

Applies To: Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF), its governance bodies, management, employees, consultants, volunteers, interns, researchers, partners, contractors, and representatives

Effective Date: 01 January 2010

Last Updated: 16 September 2026

Next Review Date: 17 September 2027

1. Introduction

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF) is committed to conducting its conservation, environmental, research, climate resilience, livelihood, community development, education, and organizational activities in a manner that protects people from harm, abuse, exploitation, neglect, discrimination, harassment, and other safeguarding risks. BNF recognizes that safeguarding is an organizational responsibility and not solely the responsibility of a particular staff member, project team, or safeguarding focal person. Everyone associated with BNF has a responsibility to contribute to a safe, respectful, inclusive, and accountable environment.

BNF works with communities, researchers, students, children and young people, women, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, local institutions, government stakeholders, conservation practitioners, volunteers, donors, academic institutions, private-sector partners, and other stakeholders. These relationships can create different forms of safeguarding risk depending on the nature and location of an activity. This policy establishes BNF’s commitment to preventing and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns arising from or connected with its activities, operations, personnel, partnerships, projects, research, communications, fieldwork, community engagement, and digital platforms. BNF seeks to ensure that conservation and development activities never compromise the dignity, safety, rights, well-being, or legitimate interests of people and communities.

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to:

protect children, adults at risk, beneficiaries, community members, staff, volunteers, researchers, and other stakeholders from harm;
prevent abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, violence, neglect, and inappropriate conduct;
establish clear expectations for professional and ethical behavior;
provide mechanisms for reporting safeguarding concerns;
ensure that concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately;
establish procedures for responding to allegations and incidents;
promote safe project design and implementation;
integrate safeguarding into organizational decision-making and risk management;
strengthen accountability among BNF personnel and partners;
ensure that community engagement is conducted respectfully and safely;
protect people participating in research, fieldwork, training, workshops, and conservation activities;
establish appropriate safeguarding requirements for partners, consultants, contractors, and service providers;
promote a culture in which concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation; and
support continuous improvement in BNF’s safeguarding practices.

3. Scope

This policy applies throughout BNF’s operations and activities, including but not limited to:

biodiversity conservation;
ecosystem conservation and management;
mangrove, seagrass, wetland, coastal and marine conservation;
climate change adaptation and resilience;
disaster preparedness and response;
sustainable livelihoods;
community development;
women’s economic empowerment;
alternative livelihood programs;
small-enterprise development;
market-linkage activities;
environmental education;
awareness campaigns;
training and workshops;
research and field studies;
community consultations;
surveys and interviews;
monitoring and evaluation;
data collection;
publications and communications;
photography and videography;
field visits;
community meetings;
volunteer activities;
internships;
employment and recruitment;
fundraising;
procurement;
donor-funded projects;
partnerships;
consultancy assignments;
project-related travel and accommodation;
digital communication and social media; and
any activity conducted by or on behalf of BNF.

The policy applies to:

General Committee members;
Executive Committee members;
the Executive Director;
management personnel;
employees;
project staff;
consultants;
researchers;
field workers;
volunteers;
interns;
temporary personnel;
contractors;
suppliers and service providers;
partner organizations;
implementing partners;
trainers and facilitators;
photographers and media personnel engaged by BNF; and
anyone representing BNF or acting on its behalf.

BNF may require additional safeguarding standards or procedures for specific projects where the risk profile requires them.

4. Safeguarding Commitment

BNF is committed to:

Preventing harm wherever reasonably possible.
Taking safeguarding concerns seriously.
Responding promptly and appropriately to reported concerns.
Respecting the dignity and confidentiality of affected persons.
Putting the safety and well-being of affected persons at the center of safeguarding responses.
Preventing retaliation against people who raise genuine concerns.
Ensuring appropriate accountability for misconduct.
Integrating safeguarding into project planning and risk assessment.
Providing appropriate safeguarding awareness and training.
Working with partners who share appropriate safeguarding commitments.
Respecting applicable organizational, donor, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
Learning from incidents, concerns, and feedback to improve safeguarding systems.

5. Safeguarding Principles

BNF’s safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles.

5.1 Do No Harm

BNF will seek to identify and minimize risks that could cause physical, psychological, social, economic, reputational, or other forms of harm.

5.2 Dignity and Respect

Every person interacting with BNF should be treated with dignity, respect, fairness, and professionalism.

5.3 Safety and Well-Being

The safety and well-being of people affected by BNF activities will be considered in project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

5.4 Zero Tolerance for Abuse and Exploitation

BNF does not accept abuse, exploitation, harassment, violence, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, child abuse, or deliberate neglect within activities under its responsibility.

5.5 Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

Safeguarding measures will be implemented without discrimination based on characteristics protected by applicable organizational policies or requirements.

5.6 Participation

Communities and stakeholders should have meaningful opportunities to understand activities, raise concerns, provide feedback, and participate in decisions that affect them.

5.7 Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only with persons who have a legitimate need to know, subject to applicable requirements.

5.8 Survivor-Centered and Person-Centered Response

Where a safeguarding concern involves an affected person, BNF will seek to respect their safety, dignity, wishes, privacy, and best interests while recognizing that reporting and legal obligations may apply.

5.9 Accountability

Individuals and organizations working with BNF are expected to take responsibility for their conduct and comply with applicable safeguarding requirements.

5.10 No Retaliation

BNF will not tolerate retaliation, intimidation, threats, punishment, or adverse treatment against a person who raises a genuine safeguarding concern or participates in a safeguarding process.

6. Understanding Safeguarding

For the purposes of this policy, safeguarding broadly refers to the measures taken to prevent and respond to harm, abuse, exploitation, violence, harassment, neglect, discrimination, and other risks affecting people who interact with BNF or may be affected by its activities. Safeguarding may include protection from:

physical abuse;
emotional or psychological abuse;
sexual abuse;
sexual exploitation;
sexual harassment;
child abuse;
neglect;
exploitation;
trafficking or forced labor;
intimidation and threats;
discriminatory conduct;
bullying;
harassment;
misuse of authority or power;
financial or economic exploitation;
inappropriate relationships involving power imbalances;
harmful use of personal information;
unsafe research practices;
unsafe fieldwork;
inappropriate photography or recording;
digital abuse;
retaliation; and
other forms of misconduct or harm.

7. Children and Young People

BNF recognizes that children and young people may face particular safeguarding risks. Where BNF activities involve children or young people, additional safeguards will be considered and implemented according to the nature and risk of the activity. BNF personnel must:

treat children with dignity and respect;
maintain appropriate professional boundaries;
avoid behavior that could reasonably place a child at risk;
avoid unnecessary one-to-one situations where appropriate safeguards cannot be maintained;
avoid inappropriate physical contact;
never engage in sexual activity or sexually inappropriate behavior with a child;
never exploit or abuse a child;
never use degrading, humiliating, threatening, or violent discipline;
obtain appropriate consent and permissions for participation, photography, interviews, or data collection;
protect children’s personal information;
report safeguarding concerns promptly; and
follow any project-specific child safeguarding procedures.

BNF will consider the best interests and safety of children when designing programs, communications, research, training, and community activities.

8. Adults at Risk and Vulnerable Persons

BNF recognizes that some adults may face increased safeguarding risks because of age, disability, poverty, dependency, displacement, social exclusion, economic vulnerability, disaster exposure, illness, limited decision-making power, or other circumstances. BNF will seek to identify circumstances in which individuals may have reduced capacity to protect themselves or may be particularly dependent on project personnel or service providers. Additional measures may include:

accessible communication;
additional informed consent procedures;
trusted-person involvement where appropriate;
accessible complaint mechanisms;
safer transportation arrangements;
appropriate supervision;
protection of personal information;
additional monitoring; and
referral to appropriate services where available and appropriate.

Vulnerability will not be assumed solely on the basis of membership in a particular social group. Risk will be considered in the context of the specific activity and circumstances.

9. Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

BNF prohibits sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment in connection with its activities. Personnel must not:

use their position, authority, influence, resources, or access to obtain sexual favors;
exploit economic or social vulnerability for sexual purposes;
engage in sexual abuse;
make unwanted sexual advances;
engage in sexually suggestive or inappropriate communications;
make sexual comments or jokes that create a hostile or inappropriate environment;
display sexually inappropriate material in the workplace or during BNF activities;
condition employment, project benefits, assistance, opportunities, or services on sexual conduct; or
engage in other inappropriate sexual behavior connected with BNF activities.

BNF recognizes that unequal power relationships can create heightened safeguarding risks. Personnel are expected to maintain professional boundaries and avoid exploiting positions of trust or authority.

10. Abuse of Power and Authority

BNF recognizes that safeguarding risks may arise where one person has greater authority, resources, knowledge, influence, or control over another. Abuse of authority may include:

threatening or coercive behavior;
misuse of organizational resources;
withholding legitimate project benefits for personal reasons;
demanding personal favors;
inappropriate pressure;
intimidation;
favoritism linked to personal or sexual relationships;
retaliation;
exploiting community dependency;
inappropriate use of professional authority; or
using BNF’s name or position for personal gain.

Personnel must never use their organizational position to exploit people or obtain inappropriate personal benefits.

11. Professional Boundaries

BNF personnel must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with:

beneficiaries;
community members;
children;
research participants;
students;
interns;
volunteers;
suppliers;
contractors;
colleagues;
partner organizations; and
other stakeholders.

Personnel should avoid relationships or conduct that create inappropriate dependency, conflicts of interest, coercion, exploitation, or perceived obligations. Where a personal relationship could affect professional judgment or create a safeguarding risk, the matter should be disclosed and managed appropriately.

12. Community Safeguarding

BNF works closely with local communities, particularly in environmental, coastal, biodiversity, livelihood, and climate-related activities. Community engagement will therefore be designed to:

respect local dignity and social context;
provide understandable information about activities;
avoid coercive participation;
respect voluntary participation where applicable;
provide appropriate opportunities for feedback;
avoid creating unnecessary dependency;
minimize risks associated with public disclosure of personal information;
protect vulnerable community members;
prevent exploitation by project personnel;
respect legitimate local knowledge;
avoid discriminatory practices;
establish accessible mechanisms for raising concerns; and
consider community-level social and safeguarding risks.

BNF will seek to ensure that conservation or development objectives do not justify inappropriate treatment of community members.

13. Community Benefits and Distribution of Assistance

Where BNF activities involve livelihood support, training, equipment, financial assistance, employment opportunities, community enterprises, or other benefits, selection and distribution processes should be transparent and appropriately documented. Personnel must not:

demand personal payment for access to legitimate project benefits;
condition assistance on personal favors;
manipulate beneficiary selection for personal gain;
discriminate improperly;
divert resources intended for beneficiaries;
exploit beneficiaries’ economic vulnerability; or
use project resources to obtain inappropriate personal benefits.

Where appropriate, projects should establish clear eligibility criteria and communicate relevant procedures to participating communities.

14. Gender Equality and Safeguarding

BNF recognizes that safeguarding risks can be influenced by gender and unequal access to resources, decision-making, mobility, information, and economic opportunities. Projects should consider gender-related safeguarding risks during:

project design;
stakeholder consultation;
community meetings;
fieldwork;
livelihood activities;
training;
recruitment;
transportation;
accommodation;
research;
data collection;
monitoring and evaluation; and
complaint handling.

BNF seeks to create environments in which women and men can participate safely and meaningfully.

15. Disability Inclusion

BNF seeks to ensure that people with disabilities can participate safely and meaningfully in relevant activities. Safeguarding arrangements may include:

accessible information;
appropriate communication methods;
physical accessibility;
accessible complaint mechanisms;
reasonable accommodation;
appropriate support during field activities; and
protection from discrimination or exploitation.

16. Fieldwork and Remote-Location Safeguarding

BNF activities may take place in coastal, marine, forest, wetland, rural, remote, or disaster-prone locations. Field activities should consider:

transportation safety;
accommodation;
communication;
emergency contacts;
weather and environmental conditions;
working hours;
appropriate supervision;
isolated locations;
interactions with community members;
gender-specific risks;
child safeguarding;
medical emergencies;
personal security;
safe handling of equipment;
water-based activities;
wildlife risks;
disaster risks; and
emergency evacuation.

Project managers should assess safeguarding risks before significant field activities and implement proportionate control measures.

17. Research and Research Participant Safeguarding

BNF recognizes that research can create safeguarding risks, particularly when researchers interact directly with communities or collect personal or sensitive information. Research activities should consider:

informed participation;
appropriate consent;
confidentiality;
privacy;
data protection;
potential psychological or social harm;
risks associated with disclosure;
power relationships between researchers and participants;
compensation or incentives;
photography and recording;
children and vulnerable participants;
sensitive ecological or community information; and
safe storage of research records.

Researchers must not use research participation as a means of obtaining personal benefits or exploiting participants. Where research requires formal ethical review or approval, the relevant requirements should be followed.

18. Informed Consent

Where BNF activities require consent, information should be communicated in a manner that participants can reasonably understand. Consent should not be obtained through:

threats;
coercion;
deception about material aspects of the activity;
abuse of authority; or
inappropriate pressure.

Where children participate, appropriate consent and assent arrangements should be considered according to the nature of the activity and applicable requirements. Participation in research, interviews, photographs, videos, surveys, or community activities should not automatically imply permission to publish identifiable personal information.

19. Photography, Video and Storytelling

BNF may use photographs, videos, interviews, community stories, project documentation, and other communication materials to report on its activities. BNF will seek to ensure that such materials:

respect people’s dignity;
do not unnecessarily expose individuals to risk;
do not misrepresent beneficiaries or communities;
do not disclose sensitive personal information unnecessarily;
do not exploit vulnerable individuals;
do not portray people in humiliating or degrading ways; and
are collected and used with appropriate permissions.

Particular care should be taken when photographing or recording children and people in vulnerable circumstances.

20. Digital Safeguarding

BNF recognizes that safeguarding risks can occur through digital communication and online platforms. Personnel should not:

send inappropriate communications to beneficiaries or children;
share confidential safeguarding information through unsecured channels unnecessarily;
request inappropriate photographs or personal information;
use organizational communication channels for harassment or exploitation;
publish identifying information that could expose a person to risk;
engage in threatening or abusive digital communication; or
misuse social media access obtained through BNF activities.

BNF’s digital communications should maintain appropriate professional standards.

21. Online and Social Media Conduct

Personnel representing BNF online are expected to:

communicate respectfully;
protect confidential information;
avoid discriminatory or abusive content;
maintain professional boundaries;
avoid inappropriate direct messaging with children or vulnerable persons;
avoid publishing confidential case information;
obtain appropriate permissions for identifiable photographs and stories; and
comply with BNF’s communications, privacy, and intellectual property requirements.

22. Recruitment and Safer Engagement

BNF will seek to incorporate proportionate safeguarding considerations into recruitment and engagement processes. Depending on the role and level of risk, this may include:

safeguarding-related responsibilities in job descriptions;
appropriate interview questions;
reference checks;
verification of qualifications or experience;
review of relevant declarations;
safeguarding orientation;
codes of conduct;
contractual safeguarding requirements; and
additional screening where reasonably appropriate and permitted.

The nature and extent of screening will be proportionate to the responsibilities and risks associated with the role.

23. Staff, Volunteers and Interns

All BNF staff, volunteers, and interns are expected to:

understand relevant safeguarding responsibilities;
follow this policy;
maintain professional conduct;
respect beneficiaries and communities;
protect confidential information;
maintain appropriate boundaries;
report concerns;
participate in required safeguarding training; and
cooperate with appropriate safeguarding processes.

Supervisors should provide appropriate guidance and oversight, particularly where staff or volunteers work directly with communities, children, or vulnerable persons.

24. Consultants, Contractors and Service Providers

Consultants, contractors, suppliers, trainers, researchers, and service providers engaged by BNF may be required to comply with relevant safeguarding provisions. Depending on the nature of the engagement, contracts or terms of reference may include:

safeguarding obligations;
professional conduct requirements;
confidentiality;
reporting obligations;
child protection requirements;
prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse;
prohibition of harassment;
data protection requirements; and
consequences of serious misconduct.

BNF may take appropriate action where a contracted person or organization fails to comply with agreed safeguarding requirements.

25. Partner Organizations

BNF seeks to work with partners that demonstrate appropriate standards of integrity, safeguarding, accountability, and responsible conduct. Where safeguarding risks are material, BNF may consider:

partner safeguarding policies;
safeguarding capacity;
organizational procedures;
reporting mechanisms;
staff responsibilities;
incident management arrangements;
contractual requirements; and
safeguarding risk assessments.

Partners may be required to notify BNF of relevant safeguarding incidents connected with BNF-supported activities, subject to applicable confidentiality and reporting requirements.

26. Safeguarding Risk Assessment

Safeguarding should be incorporated into project and activity risk assessment. Depending on the activity, assessment may consider:

who may be affected;
the nature of potential harm;
vulnerability factors;
power imbalances;
location-specific risks;
risks to children;
risks to women and vulnerable groups;
fieldwork risks;
transportation and accommodation;
digital risks;
research risks;
privacy and data risks;
partner and contractor risks;
reputational risks; and
emergency situations.

Higher-risk activities should receive additional safeguards and management attention.

27. Safeguarding Risk Mitigation

BNF may use measures including:

safer activity design;
supervision;
staff orientation;
safeguarding training;
codes of conduct;
appropriate consent procedures;
two-person or group working arrangements where appropriate;
safer transportation;
accessible reporting channels;
restricted access to sensitive information;
appropriate referral arrangements;
partner requirements;
monitoring;
incident reporting; and
corrective action.

Safeguarding measures should be proportionate to the risks involved.

28. Code of Conduct

All persons covered by this policy are expected to:

behave professionally;
respect human dignity;
avoid abusive or exploitative behavior;
respect personal boundaries;
protect confidential information;
avoid discriminatory conduct;
avoid harassment and bullying;
avoid misuse of organizational authority;
protect children and vulnerable persons;
use BNF resources responsibly;
report safeguarding concerns; and
comply with applicable BNF policies and procedures.

29. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is prohibited in connection with BNF activities:

abuse;
exploitation;
sexual exploitation;
sexual abuse;
sexual harassment;
child abuse;
physical violence;
threats or intimidation;
bullying;
serious harassment;
discriminatory abuse;
coercion;
retaliation;
deliberate misuse of safeguarding information;
exploitation of beneficiaries;
financial exploitation;
trafficking or forced labor;
inappropriate sexual conduct with children;
misuse of organizational authority; and
deliberate concealment of serious safeguarding concerns.

30. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Anyone may raise a safeguarding concern relating to BNF activities. Concerns may be raised by:

staff;
volunteers;
beneficiaries;
community members;
researchers;
children or their representatives;
partners;
contractors;
donors;
government stakeholders;
members of the public; or
other persons who become aware of a concern.

A concern may relate to:

suspected abuse;
alleged exploitation;
harassment;
inappropriate behavior;
unsafe practices;
safeguarding failures;
misconduct;
retaliation;
risks to children;
risks to vulnerable adults; or
other behavior that may place people at risk.

Reports should be made as soon as reasonably possible.

31. Reporting Channels

BNF will maintain accessible channels through which safeguarding concerns can be reported.

Depending on the circumstances, a concern may be reported to:

Executive Director

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

Sayman Road, Cox’s Bazar-4700, Bangladesh

Email: abuhena@bdnature.org

Website: https://bdnature.org/

Where a concern involves the Executive Director or another senior officer, the concern should be directed through an alternative authorized governance channel, such as the President of the Executive Committee or another designated safeguarding authority. BNF should ensure that reporting channels are communicated to staff, communities, beneficiaries, partners, and relevant stakeholders.

32. Emergency and Immediate Safety Concerns

Where a person faces an immediate threat of serious harm, priority should be given to immediate safety and appropriate emergency assistance. Where appropriate, this may include:

moving the person to a safer environment;
contacting emergency services;
obtaining medical assistance;
contacting a trusted safeguarding professional;
informing appropriate authorities where required; and
activating relevant project emergency procedures.

BNF personnel should not attempt to conduct dangerous interventions beyond their competence or authority.

33. Anonymous Reporting

Where practical, BNF may permit safeguarding concerns to be reported without identifying the reporting person. However, anonymous reporting may limit BNF’s ability to:

obtain additional information;
investigate the concern;
provide feedback;
protect the reporting person; or
take certain corrective measures.

BNF will nevertheless consider credible anonymous concerns seriously.

34. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information should be treated as sensitive. BNF will seek to:

limit information access to those with a legitimate need to know;
avoid unnecessary disclosure;
protect records;
maintain appropriate confidentiality;
protect the privacy of affected persons and reporters; and
share information where necessary for safety, investigation, legal, regulatory, donor, or other legitimate requirements.

Confidentiality does not mean that serious safeguarding concerns will be ignored or that information can never be shared.

35. Protection from Retaliation

BNF prohibits retaliation against a person who:

raises a genuine safeguarding concern;
reports suspected misconduct;
requests safeguarding assistance;
participates in an investigation;
provides information in good faith; or
supports an affected person.

Retaliation may include:

threats;
intimidation;
harassment;
discrimination;
unjustified disciplinary action;
exclusion;
adverse employment treatment;
loss of legitimate project benefits; or
other punitive conduct because a person raised or supported a safeguarding concern.

Alleged retaliation may itself constitute a safeguarding or misconduct concern.

36. False or Malicious Reports

BNF recognizes that safeguarding reporting systems must remain safe for both complainants and persons who are the subject of allegations. A person who raises a concern honestly will not be penalized merely because the concern cannot ultimately be substantiated. However, knowingly making a deliberately false, malicious, fabricated, or intentionally misleading allegation may constitute misconduct. BNF will distinguish between:

a genuine concern that cannot be substantiated; and
a deliberately false or malicious allegation.

37. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

BNF will seek to respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely, proportionate, confidential, and fair manner. Depending on the circumstances, the response may include:

receiving and documenting the concern;
assessing immediate safety risks;
providing or facilitating appropriate support;
determining whether urgent action is required;
assessing whether referral is necessary;
determining appropriate investigation arrangements;
preserving relevant information;
implementing interim protective measures;
conducting an appropriate review or investigation;
taking corrective or disciplinary action where justified;
communicating appropriately with relevant stakeholders; and
documenting closure and lessons learned.

The exact response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the concern.

38. Survivor and Affected-Person Support

Where appropriate and reasonably possible, BNF will seek to support people affected by safeguarding incidents. Support may include referral to appropriate:

medical services;
psychosocial support;
counseling;
protection services;
legal or specialized services;
community support mechanisms; or
other appropriate assistance.

BNF will not promise services that it does not have the capacity or authority to provide.

39. Investigation

Where an investigation is appropriate, BNF will seek to ensure that it is:

fair;
proportionate;
appropriately independent;
respectful;
confidential;
evidence-based; and
conducted by people with suitable competence.

Where an allegation concerns a senior officer or governance member, appropriate independent or governance-level arrangements should be considered. BNF may engage qualified external investigators or advisers where appropriate.

40. Interim Protective Measures

Where necessary, BNF may implement temporary measures while a safeguarding concern is being assessed or investigated. Such measures may include:

changing reporting arrangements;
restricting access to particular activities;
modifying field assignments;
temporarily separating individuals;
restricting access to sensitive information;
increasing supervision;
changing communication arrangements; or
other reasonable protective measures.

Interim measures should not automatically be treated as findings of wrongdoing.

41. Fairness and Due Process

BNF recognizes that allegations must be handled responsibly. Persons accused of misconduct should be treated fairly and given an appropriate opportunity to respond, subject to safeguarding, confidentiality, evidence-preservation, and safety considerations. Safeguarding responses should not prejudge findings.

42. Referral to Authorities or Specialized Services

BNF may refer safeguarding matters to appropriate authorities or specialized services where:

required by applicable requirements;
necessary to protect a person from serious harm;
necessary to obtain specialized support;
required by contractual or donor obligations; or
otherwise appropriate.

BNF will consider confidentiality, consent, safety, and applicable reporting obligations when determining referral arrangements.

43. Safeguarding and Law Enforcement

BNF recognizes that some safeguarding incidents may involve conduct that requires consideration of relevant authorities. BNF will not obstruct legitimate investigations or lawful processes. Where referral or reporting is required or necessary, BNF will seek to handle the matter responsibly while protecting affected persons and maintaining appropriate confidentiality.

44. Safeguarding During Disaster and Emergency Response

Disasters and emergencies can increase risks of:

exploitation;
abuse;
trafficking;
gender-based violence;
child protection concerns;
displacement-related vulnerability;
loss of livelihoods;
unsafe accommodation;
unequal access to assistance; and
misinformation.

Where BNF participates in disaster preparedness, response, or rehabilitation activities, safeguarding considerations should be integrated into emergency planning and implementation. Emergency conditions do not remove the obligation to treat people with dignity and respect.

45. Safeguarding in Livelihood Programs

BNF may support alternative livelihoods, small enterprises, women’s economic empowerment, market linkages, community enterprises, and other livelihood initiatives. Safeguarding considerations may include:

transparent beneficiary selection;
protection from financial exploitation;
safe training environments;
prevention of coercion;
protection from harassment;
safe handling of financial information;
appropriate access to project resources;
equitable participation; and
complaint and feedback mechanisms.

Personnel must not use livelihood opportunities or project resources to obtain personal favors or benefits.

46. Safeguarding in Environmental and Conservation Activities

BNF recognizes that conservation interventions may affect communities, resource users, and local stakeholders. Conservation activities should therefore consider:

community participation;
potential livelihood impacts;
access to natural resources;
vulnerable groups;
local knowledge;
conflict risks;
equitable benefits;
environmental and social risks;
community safety; and
accessible mechanisms for concerns and feedback.

Conservation objectives should be pursued responsibly and with appropriate consideration of people and communities.

47. Safeguarding of Indigenous and Local Communities

Where BNF works with Indigenous Peoples, ethnic communities, traditional resource users, or other culturally distinct groups, activities should respect applicable rights, dignity, cultural identity, legitimate community interests, and local knowledge. Particular care should be taken when collecting or publishing:

traditional knowledge;
cultural information;
photographs;
community stories;
personal information; or
information concerning sensitive cultural practices or locations.

48. Protection of Personal and Sensitive Information

Safeguarding records may contain highly sensitive information. BNF will seek to protect such information through appropriate:

access controls;
secure storage;
confidentiality procedures;
data minimization;
retention practices;
secure communication;
responsible sharing; and
disposal procedures.

Sensitive information should not be published on BNF’s website or social media without an appropriate basis and safeguards.

49. Safeguarding and Media Communications

BNF’s public communications should avoid:

sensationalizing suffering;
humiliating portrayals;
unnecessary disclosure of identities;
inappropriate images of children;
misleading representations of beneficiaries;
disclosure of sensitive locations where this could create risks; or
communications that expose individuals or communities to foreseeable harm.

Communications should respect dignity and accurately represent BNF’s work.

50. Training and Awareness

BNF will seek to provide appropriate safeguarding awareness to relevant personnel. Training may cover:

safeguarding principles;
child protection;
sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment;
professional boundaries;
abuse of power;
reporting procedures;
confidentiality;
community safeguarding;
fieldwork safety;
digital safeguarding;
research participant protection;
prevention of retaliation; and
safeguarding responsibilities.

Additional training may be provided for personnel whose roles involve higher safeguarding risks.

51. Responsibilities of the General Committee

The General Committee provides organizational oversight within its governance responsibilities. Its safeguarding-related responsibilities may include:

supporting an organizational culture of accountability;
ensuring safeguarding receives appropriate governance attention;
reviewing major safeguarding risks where relevant;
supporting organizational policy development; and
monitoring appropriate accountability mechanisms.

52. Responsibilities of the Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is responsible for appropriate governance oversight of safeguarding. This may include:

approving safeguarding policies;
ensuring adequate organizational arrangements;
reviewing significant safeguarding risks;
supporting appropriate responses to serious incidents;
ensuring senior management accountability;
reviewing major safeguarding failures; and
supporting continuous improvement.

53. Responsibilities of the Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that safeguarding is integrated into BNF’s operational management. Responsibilities may include:

implementing this policy;
ensuring staff awareness;
integrating safeguarding into project management;
ensuring reporting mechanisms are available;
coordinating appropriate responses;
ensuring serious concerns receive appropriate attention;
supporting staff training;
maintaining appropriate records;
ensuring partner requirements are addressed; and
reporting significant safeguarding matters through appropriate governance channels.

54. Responsibilities of Managers and Supervisors

Managers and supervisors should:

identify safeguarding risks;
communicate expectations;
supervise staff appropriately;
encourage early reporting;
respond to concerns;
avoid retaliation;
maintain appropriate confidentiality;
ensure relevant training;
monitor project activities; and
escalate serious concerns appropriately.

Managers must not suppress, conceal, or improperly resolve safeguarding concerns for personal, financial, reputational, or organizational convenience.

55. Responsibilities of All Personnel

Every person covered by this policy has a responsibility to:

understand relevant safeguarding requirements;
behave professionally;
protect people from foreseeable harm;
maintain appropriate boundaries;
report concerns;
cooperate with legitimate safeguarding processes;
protect confidential information;
avoid retaliation; and
seek guidance when uncertain.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

56. Responsibilities of Partners and Contractors

Partners and contractors working with BNF should:

comply with agreed safeguarding requirements;
ensure their personnel understand relevant responsibilities;
report significant safeguarding concerns connected with BNF-supported activities;
cooperate with appropriate reviews;
protect affected persons;
maintain confidentiality; and
take corrective action where appropriate.

57. Complaints and Feedback

BNF recognizes that accessible feedback and complaints mechanisms are an important part of safeguarding. People should be able to raise concerns about:

staff conduct;
project implementation;
community treatment;
inappropriate behavior;
discrimination;
harassment;
safety;
misuse of authority;
safeguarding risks; and
other concerns related to BNF activities.

BNF should provide appropriate channels for receiving and managing complaints and feedback.

58. Accessibility of Safeguarding Mechanisms

Safeguarding reporting channels should be designed, where reasonably possible, to be accessible to people with different:

literacy levels;
languages;
disabilities;
technological access;
geographic circumstances; and
communication needs.

For field-based projects, reporting mechanisms should be communicated through appropriate local channels.

59. Confidential Record Keeping

BNF will seek to maintain appropriate records of safeguarding concerns, actions, decisions, and outcomes. Records should be:

accurate;
secure;
appropriately restricted;
retained according to relevant requirements; and
protected from unauthorized disclosure.

Safeguarding records should not be used for unrelated purposes without an appropriate basis.

60. Monitoring and Learning

BNF will seek to monitor the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements. Monitoring may consider:

training completion;
awareness of reporting mechanisms;
safeguarding risk assessments;
reported concerns;
response times;
corrective actions;
recurring risks;
partner compliance;
community feedback; and
lessons learned.

Safeguarding learning should be used to strengthen project design and organizational practice.

61. Incident Review and Corrective Action

Following a serious safeguarding concern or confirmed incident, BNF may conduct an appropriate review to identify:

what happened;
what risks were present;
whether safeguards were adequate;
whether reporting procedures worked;
whether supervision was sufficient;
whether organizational failures contributed to the incident; and
what corrective actions are required.

Corrective action may include:

additional training;
revised procedures;
increased supervision;
changes to project design;
partner action plans;
personnel measures;
improvements to reporting channels; or
policy revision.

62. Safeguarding and Conflict of Interest

Safeguarding concerns must not be handled by a person whose personal, financial, professional, or family interests could compromise impartiality. Potential conflicts should be disclosed and appropriately managed. BNF’s Conflict of Interest Policy should be considered alongside this policy.

63. Safeguarding and Anti-Fraud Measures

Fraud, corruption, diversion of project resources, or misuse of organizational authority may create safeguarding risks, particularly where beneficiaries depend on project assistance. BNF’s Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy should therefore be applied alongside this Safeguarding Policy where relevant.

64. Whistleblower Protection

Persons who report serious wrongdoing or safeguarding concerns in good faith should be protected from retaliation. Where appropriate, safeguarding concerns may also be raised through BNF’s whistleblower mechanisms. Whistleblowing does not replace emergency assistance where immediate safety is at risk.

65. Relationship with Other BNF Policies

This policy should be read together with other relevant BNF policies and procedures, including:

Code of Conduct;
Child Safeguarding procedures;
Complaints & Feedback Policy;
Whistleblower Policy;
Anti-Fraud & Anti-Corruption Policy;
Conflict of Interest Policy;
Environmental & Social Safeguards Policy;
Gender Equality & Non-Discrimination Policy;
Research Ethics Policy;
Research Integrity Policy;
Data Protection & Management Policy;
Privacy Policy;
Terms of Use;
Copyright & Intellectual Property Policy; and
other project-specific policies and procedures.

Where policies overlap, BNF will seek to apply the requirements that provide appropriate protection and accountability while considering applicable contractual, regulatory, donor, and organizational requirements.

66. Project-Specific Safeguarding Measures

This policy establishes an organizational framework. Individual projects may require additional safeguards. Depending on risk, BNF may develop:

safeguarding risk assessments;
project safeguarding plans;
child protection procedures;
community engagement plans;
stakeholder engagement plans;
codes of conduct;
referral pathways;
emergency procedures;
fieldwork protocols;
research participant protection measures;
data protection procedures;
incident response plans; and
partner-specific safeguarding requirements.

Higher-risk activities should receive proportionately stronger safeguards.

67. Policy Compliance

Compliance with this policy is an organizational expectation. Failure to comply may result in appropriate action, which may include:

additional training;
corrective action;
restriction of responsibilities;
removal from particular activities;
contractual action;
disciplinary measures;
termination of engagement; or
referral to appropriate authorities where warranted.

The appropriate response will depend on the circumstances, evidence, seriousness, and applicable procedures.

68. Safeguarding Culture

BNF seeks to establish a culture in which:

people feel safe to raise concerns;
safeguarding is discussed openly and responsibly;
managers listen to concerns;
staff understand professional boundaries;
communities know how to provide feedback;
children and vulnerable persons receive appropriate protection;
safeguarding risks are considered before activities begin;
concerns are not ignored because they may be inconvenient;
confidentiality is respected;
retaliation is not tolerated; and
organizational learning follows significant incidents.

A strong safeguarding culture depends on daily conduct, not merely the existence of a written policy.

69. Policy Review

BNF will periodically review this policy to ensure that it remains appropriate for:

organizational activities;
project risks;
community needs;
research activities;
partnership arrangements;
operational experience;
safeguarding learning; and
relevant requirements.

The policy may be updated when significant changes occur in BNF’s operations or safeguarding environment.

70. Public Accountability

BNF publishes this Safeguarding Policy as part of its commitment to transparency, accountability, responsible organizational management, and the protection of people affected by its work.

Publishing this policy does not replace project-specific safeguarding procedures or the responsibility of personnel and partners to act appropriately.

BNF will seek to communicate safeguarding expectations in formats that are understandable and accessible to relevant stakeholders.

71. Contact and Reporting

Safeguarding concerns should be reported through BNF’s designated safeguarding channels.

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

Sayman Road

Cox’s Bazar-4700, Bangladesh

Website: https://bdnature.org/

Executive Director: Dr. Abu Hena M K

Where the concern relates to the Executive Director, the report should be directed to the President of the Executive Committee or another authorized independent governance contact. BNF encourages anyone who becomes aware of a serious safeguarding risk connected with its activities to raise the concern through an appropriate channel rather than allowing the risk to continue unaddressed.

Bangladesh Nature Foundation recognizes that effective conservation and sustainable development depend not only on protecting ecosystems and biodiversity but also on respecting and protecting the people and communities connected with those environments. BNF is committed to conducting its work with integrity, dignity, accountability, inclusion, and respect. The organization will seek to prevent abuse and exploitation, identify safeguarding risks, respond responsibly to concerns, protect people from retaliation, maintain appropriate confidentiality, strengthen organizational capacity, and learn continuously from experience. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across BNF’s governance, management, staff, volunteers, researchers, partners, consultants, contractors, and representatives. BNF is committed to ensuring that its conservation, research, climate, livelihood, education, and community-development activities contribute to safer and more respectful environments for all people involved or affected.

Bangladesh Nature Foundation — Protecting Nature, Supporting Communities, and Promoting Responsible and Inclusive Conservation.