Accessibility Statement

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF) is committed to making its website and digital information as accessible, inclusive, and usable as reasonably practicable for all people, including persons with disabilities and users who access digital content through different devices, technologies, languages, or levels of digital ability. BNF recognizes that accessibility is an important part of inclusion, equal participation, public accountability, environmental education, research communication, and community engagement. We aim to design and maintain our website so that visitors can access information about our conservation programs, projects, research, publications, communities, policies, news, opportunities, and organizational activities without unnecessary barriers. This Accessibility Statement explains our approach to digital accessibility and the steps we take to improve the accessibility and usability of the BNF website.

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

BNF seeks to provide an online environment that is:

  • Inclusive and respectful of users with different abilities;
  • Accessible across commonly used devices and browsers;
  • Understandable and reasonably easy to navigate;
  • Compatible, where practicable, with commonly used assistive technologies;
  • Usable by people with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, learning, or other accessibility needs;
  • Supportive of users with different levels of digital literacy;
  • Designed to reduce unnecessary barriers to accessing information and services.

We recognize that accessibility is an ongoing process rather than a one-time technical achievement. Websites, technologies, content, documents, and user needs change over time. BNF therefore aims to identify accessibility barriers, address them where reasonably practicable, and improve accessibility as the website develops.

2. Scope of This Statement

This Accessibility Statement applies primarily to the official BNF website and publicly available digital content operated or controlled by BNF. This may include:

  • Website pages;
  • Navigation menus;
  • Project and program information;
  • Research and publications;
  • Reports and policy documents;
  • News and announcements;
  • Images and photographs;
  • Videos and multimedia;
  • Forms and contact information;
  • Downloadable documents;
  • Interactive website features;
  • Maps and environmental information;
  • Community stories and project materials;
  • Cookie and privacy preference interfaces;
  • Links to external websites and digital services.

Some content may be provided by third parties or may be hosted on external platforms. Accessibility of such third-party content may be subject to the policies, technical capabilities, and accessibility practices of the respective provider.

3. Accessibility Standards and Good Practice

BNF aims, where reasonably practicable, to follow recognized principles and good practices for web accessibility. Our accessibility approach is informed by internationally recognized accessibility concepts, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Accessibility considerations may include:

  1. Perceivable — information should be presented in ways that users can perceive through different senses and technologies;
  2. Operable — website functions and navigation should be usable through appropriate input methods;
  3. Understandable — information and interfaces should be presented in a clear and predictable manner;
  4. Robust — content should, where reasonably practicable, work with different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies.

BNF may use accessibility standards and practices appropriate to the technology, content type, and purpose of a particular digital service. This statement should not be interpreted as a representation that every page, document, feature, or third-party resource on the BNF website fully conforms to every applicable accessibility standard at all times.

4. Accessible Website Design

BNF aims to incorporate accessibility considerations into website design and development.

Where reasonably practicable, we seek to provide:

  • Clear page structures;
  • Logical navigation;
  • Descriptive headings;
  • Meaningful page titles;
  • Understandable links;
  • Consistent menus and navigation elements;
  • Readable text;
  • Appropriate spacing and visual hierarchy;
  • Responsive layouts for different screen sizes;
  • Keyboard-accessible functions where technically practicable;
  • Appropriate labels for forms and interactive controls;
  • Sufficient distinction between important interface elements;
  • Accessible alternatives for important visual information;
  • Content that can be interpreted by commonly used assistive technologies.

We also seek to avoid unnecessary design elements that may create barriers to navigation or comprehension.

5. Navigation and Page Structure

BNF aims to organize website content using a logical hierarchy so that visitors can locate information efficiently. This may include:

  • Descriptive headings and subheadings;
  • Clearly identified sections;
  • Consistent navigation;
  • Breadcrumbs or other orientation features where appropriate;
  • Descriptive links;
  • Structured menus;
  • Logical content order;
  • Clearly identifiable calls to action;
  • Consistent placement of common website functions.

Where appropriate, headings and other structural elements are used to help screen-reader users and other assistive-technology users understand the organization of a page.

6. Keyboard Accessibility

BNF recognizes that some visitors cannot use a mouse or touchscreen and may rely on a keyboard or alternative input device. Where technically practicable, we aim to ensure that important website functions can be operated using keyboard controls. We seek to provide:

  • Logical keyboard navigation;
  • Visible focus indicators where supported by the website interface;
  • Accessible interactive controls;
  • Avoidance of keyboard traps;
  • Logical navigation order.

Some third-party components, embedded services, or legacy website features may not fully support keyboard accessibility. Where such limitations are identified, BNF will seek to address them where reasonably practicable.

7. Screen Readers and Assistive Technologies

BNF aims to structure website content in ways that support users who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. This may include:

  • Semantic headings;
  • Descriptive link text;
  • Alternative text for relevant images;
  • Appropriate form labels;
  • Meaningful page titles;
  • Logical reading order;
  • Accessible navigation structures;
  • Appropriate descriptions of important visual information.

Compatibility may vary depending on the user’s device, browser, operating system, screen reader, browser extensions, or other assistive technology.

8. Images and Alternative Text

BNF uses photographs, illustrations, maps, charts, infographics, and other visual materials extensively to communicate information about nature, biodiversity, ecosystems, communities, research, and field activities. Where reasonably practicable, BNF aims to provide alternative text or other textual descriptions for images that convey meaningful information. Decorative images may be treated differently where alternative text would not provide meaningful additional information. For complex visual materials, such as maps, scientific diagrams, charts, or infographics, BNF aims to provide supporting textual information where appropriate and reasonably practicable. We recognize that not every historical image or legacy piece of content may have complete alternative text. Such content may be improved as part of ongoing website maintenance.

9. Color and Visual Presentation

BNF aims to use visual presentation in a manner that does not unnecessarily prevent users from understanding information. Where reasonably practicable, we seek to:

  • Avoid relying solely on color to communicate important information;
  • Maintain clear visual distinctions between content elements;
  • Use readable typography;
  • Provide sufficient visual separation between sections;
  • Consider users with color-vision differences;
  • Maintain clear focus and interaction states.

Because website design and third-party components may change, accessibility of individual visual elements may vary.

10. Text Readability and Plain Language

BNF seeks to communicate public information in language that is as clear and understandable as reasonably practicable. We aim to:

  • Use clear headings;
  • Break lengthy information into manageable sections;
  • Avoid unnecessarily complicated sentence structures;
  • Explain technical terminology where appropriate;
  • Use lists and tables where they improve comprehension;
  • Provide descriptive labels for links and controls;
  • Maintain consistent terminology throughout important website sections.

BNF publishes scientific, technical, environmental, legal, and policy information that may necessarily contain specialized terminology. Where appropriate, explanatory information may be provided to help general audiences understand technical subjects.

11. Documents and Downloadable Materials

BNF may publish or provide downloadable:

  • Research articles;
  • Technical reports;
  • Project reports;
  • Policy documents;
  • Guidelines;
  • Publications;
  • Forms;
  • Presentations;
  • Educational materials;
  • Other PDF or document files.

We aim, where reasonably practicable, to make newly produced digital documents accessible and usable. However, some older documents, scanned publications, archived materials, third-party documents, or research materials may not fully meet current accessibility practices. Where a document presents an accessibility barrier, visitors may contact BNF to request information in an alternative accessible format where reasonably practicable.

12. Scientific and Research Content

BNF publishes and communicates research relating to biodiversity, ecosystems, conservation, climate change, natural resources, livelihoods, environmental management, and related subjects. Scientific information may include:

  • Tables;
  • Statistical results;
  • Graphs;
  • Maps;
  • Technical terminology;
  • Species names;
  • Scientific photographs;
  • Research datasets;
  • Complex figures;
  • Methodological information.

BNF recognizes that some scientific materials are inherently complex and may not be fully accessible to every audience through a single presentation format. Where reasonably practicable, we seek to supplement complex scientific content with explanatory text, captions, headings, summaries, descriptions, or alternative formats.

13. Maps, Geographic Information, and Environmental Data

BNF may use maps and geographic information to communicate:

  • Project locations;
  • Conservation areas;
  • Ecosystem distributions;
  • Field activities;
  • Community locations;
  • Environmental information;
  • Research findings.

Maps and geographic visualizations can present accessibility challenges for users who cannot perceive visual information. Where reasonably practicable, BNF aims to provide accompanying textual descriptions or location information when the map contains information that is essential to understanding the content. Environmental and geographic information may also be subject to technical limitations, data availability, confidentiality requirements, or protection of sensitive ecological and community information.

14. Audio and Video Content

BNF may publish photographs, videos, interviews, field documentation, educational materials, event recordings, and other multimedia content. Where reasonably practicable, BNF aims to improve accessibility through measures such as:

  • Captions or subtitles for relevant videos;
  • Text descriptions;
  • Transcripts where appropriate;
  • Descriptive titles;
  • Meaningful surrounding context.

Availability of captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, or other accessibility features may vary for older, archived, externally hosted, or third-party content.

15. Forms and Contact Features

BNF aims to make online forms and contact features understandable and usable. Where reasonably practicable, forms should provide:

  • Clear field labels;
  • Understandable instructions;
  • Identifiable required fields;
  • Meaningful error messages;
  • Logical field order;
  • Clear submission controls.

If a visitor cannot use an online form because of an accessibility barrier, BNF encourages the visitor to contact the organization through another available communication channel.

16. Social Media and External Platforms

BNF may use third-party platforms and social media services to communicate information, share project updates, publish photographs and videos, and engage with communities and stakeholders. Third-party platforms may have their own accessibility features, standards, and limitations. BNF does not control the accessibility of external platforms and cannot guarantee that third-party content or interfaces will remain accessible. Where practicable, BNF will seek to provide meaningful descriptions, captions, titles, or alternative text when publishing content through platforms that support these features.

17. Third-Party Content and Embedded Services

The BNF website may contain or link to services operated by third parties, including:

  • Mapping services;
  • Video platforms;
  • Social media platforms;
  • Analytics services;
  • Donation or payment services;
  • Research repositories;
  • External publications;
  • Government websites;
  • Partner organizations;
  • Universities and research institutions.

BNF does not control the accessibility design, functionality, availability, or technical standards of third-party websites and services. Visitors should consult the accessibility information provided by the relevant third-party provider when using an external service. Where a third-party service is essential to accessing important BNF information or functionality, BNF will seek, where reasonably practicable, to identify alternative methods of access.

18. Accessibility and People with Disabilities

BNF recognizes that people with disabilities may experience different types of barriers when accessing digital information. These may include barriers related to:

  • Vision;
  • Hearing;
  • Mobility;
  • Speech;
  • Cognitive processing;
  • Learning;
  • Neurological conditions;
  • Temporary impairments;
  • Age-related changes;
  • Use of assistive technologies;
  • Limited digital literacy;
  • Device or connectivity limitations.

BNF aims to consider diverse user needs rather than assuming that all visitors interact with the website in the same way.

19. Accessibility and Community Inclusion

Accessibility is particularly relevant to BNF’s work with communities, including coastal, rural, disadvantaged, and vulnerable populations. BNF seeks to communicate project information and engagement opportunities in ways that support meaningful participation. Where appropriate and reasonably practicable, accessibility considerations may be incorporated into:

  • Community consultation;
  • Environmental education;
  • Training;
  • Awareness activities;
  • Project communication;
  • Research dissemination;
  • Public meetings;
  • Community engagement;
  • Stakeholder communication.

Field-level accessibility may depend on local infrastructure, geography, transportation, environmental conditions, available resources, and the nature of a particular project.

20. Accessibility of Conservation and Field Activities

BNF’s conservation and field programs may take place in environments such as:

  • Coastal areas;
  • Estuaries;
  • Mangrove ecosystems;
  • Seagrass habitats;
  • Wetlands;
  • Rural communities;
  • Forests;
  • Protected or ecologically sensitive areas;
  • Disaster-prone locations.

Physical accessibility at field sites can differ substantially from digital accessibility and may be affected by environmental and safety conditions. Where appropriate, BNF seeks to consider reasonable accessibility and participation requirements when planning community activities, meetings, training, consultations, and public engagement. Environmental safety and ecological protection requirements may sometimes restrict physical access to particular locations.

21. Accessibility of Photographs and Community Stories

BNF may publish photographs, interviews, testimonials, project stories, and community-related materials. We seek to communicate such materials respectfully and responsibly. Where photographs or stories involve individuals or communities, BNF also considers privacy, dignity, safeguarding, consent, cultural sensitivity, and applicable organizational requirements. Accessibility measures must therefore be considered together with privacy, safeguarding, intellectual property, confidentiality, and protection of vulnerable persons.

22. Children and Accessibility

BNF may undertake educational, community, or environmental awareness activities involving children or young people. Where relevant, accessibility and inclusion considerations should be incorporated alongside child safeguarding and protection requirements. BNF does not intentionally design website content to collect unnecessary personal information from children. Photographs, stories, or other information involving children should be handled in accordance with applicable BNF safeguarding, privacy, consent, and ethical requirements.

23. Language and Accessibility

BNF recognizes that language can be an important component of accessibility. The primary language of some website content may be English, while certain information or community-facing materials may be provided in Bangla or another appropriate language. Where resources and project requirements permit, BNF may provide translated or simplified information to improve understanding and participation. Translation availability does not imply that every page or document will be available in every language.

24. Accessibility Testing and Monitoring

BNF aims to improve accessibility through ongoing website management and review. Where reasonably practicable, accessibility monitoring may include:

  • Manual review of website content;
  • Testing of navigation;
  • Review of headings and links;
  • Review of alternative text;
  • Review of forms;
  • Browser and device testing;
  • Review of downloadable documents;
  • Accessibility checks during website updates;
  • Consideration of user feedback;
  • Evaluation of newly introduced website features.

Automated accessibility tools can identify certain technical issues but cannot identify every accessibility barrier. BNF therefore recognizes the importance of human review and feedback from users.

25. Known or Potential Limitations

Despite our efforts, some parts of the BNF website may not be fully accessible. Potential limitations may include:

  • Older or archived documents;
  • Scanned PDF files;
  • Third-party content;
  • Embedded external services;
  • Complex scientific figures;
  • Historical photographs without complete alternative descriptions;
  • Interactive maps;
  • Legacy website components;
  • Multimedia without complete transcripts or descriptions;
  • Content uploaded by external partners;
  • Browser- or device-specific compatibility issues.

The presence of an accessibility limitation does not mean that BNF considers accessibility unimportant. Where barriers are identified, we aim to assess them and address them according to their importance, feasibility, technical constraints, available resources, and the nature of the content.

26. Requesting an Alternative Format

If you encounter content on the BNF website that you cannot access because of an accessibility barrier, you may contact BNF and request an alternative format or another reasonable method of accessing the information. Depending on the nature of the request, BNF may be able to provide:

  • Plain-text information;
  • An accessible electronic version;
  • A more accessible document format;
  • A text description of visual information;
  • Additional clarification;
  • An alternative communication method;
  • Assistance in locating the required information.

Requests will be considered based on the nature of the information, technical feasibility, confidentiality, copyright, privacy, safeguarding, and available resources.

27. Reporting an Accessibility Problem

BNF welcomes feedback from users who encounter accessibility barriers. If you experience difficulty accessing any part of the website, please provide, where possible:

  • The page or document concerned;
  • A description of the accessibility problem;
  • The device or browser being used, if relevant;
  • The assistive technology being used, if relevant;
  • The preferred alternative format or assistance required;
  • Any other information that may help us understand and resolve the issue.

You do not need to provide unnecessary personal or sensitive information when reporting an accessibility issue.

BNF will use accessibility feedback to help identify and address website barriers.

28. Accessibility Feedback and Complaints

Accessibility-related concerns may also be submitted through BNF’s established complaints and feedback mechanisms. Accessibility complaints will be considered in accordance with applicable BNF procedures and may be reviewed alongside relevant policies concerning:

  • Complaints and feedback;
  • Privacy;
  • Safeguarding;
  • Non-discrimination;
  • Website use;
  • Data protection;
  • Information security.

Where appropriate, BNF may request additional information to investigate an accessibility concern.

29. Accessibility Does Not Override Safety or Confidentiality

Accessibility is important, but certain information or locations may require restrictions for legitimate reasons. For example, BNF may restrict or modify access to information involving:

  • Sensitive species locations;
  • Protected habitats;
  • Wildlife protection;
  • Community confidentiality;
  • Personal information;
  • Child protection;
  • Safeguarding;
  • Research confidentiality;
  • Security-sensitive information;
  • Legally restricted materials.

Such restrictions are intended to protect people, communities, biodiversity, research integrity, or sensitive environmental resources and should not be interpreted as discrimination against persons with disabilities.

30. Accessibility and Website Security

Some accessibility or browser features may interact with website security, anti-spam mechanisms, authentication systems, or other technical controls. BNF aims to avoid unnecessary security mechanisms that create unreasonable barriers to legitimate users while maintaining appropriate protection against abuse, malicious activity, spam, unauthorized access, and other security risks. Certain security features may be provided by third-party services and may therefore operate according to the accessibility capabilities of those providers.

31. Accessibility and Website Performance

BNF recognizes that website performance can affect accessibility, particularly for users with:

  • Slow internet connections;
  • Older devices;
  • Limited data plans;
  • Mobile-only access;
  • Network instability;
  • Assistive technologies that require additional processing.

Where reasonably practicable, BNF aims to maintain a website that is efficient and usable across commonly used devices and network conditions. Large images, videos, downloadable documents, interactive maps, and other media may require additional bandwidth.

32. Continuous Improvement

BNF considers accessibility an ongoing responsibility. As the website is updated, redesigned, or expanded, BNF aims to incorporate accessibility considerations into:

  • Website development;
  • Content creation;
  • Document preparation;
  • Multimedia publication;
  • Research communication;
  • Online forms;
  • Digital engagement;
  • Procurement of relevant digital services.

Accessibility improvements may be prioritized according to the significance of the barrier, the number and type of users affected, technical feasibility, security, content importance, and available resources.

33. Changes to This Accessibility Statement

BNF may update this Accessibility Statement when:

  • Website features change;
  • Accessibility practices improve;
  • New technologies are introduced;
  • Relevant standards or guidance develop;
  • User feedback identifies new accessibility issues;
  • Organizational policies change.

The latest version will be published on the BNF website with an appropriate Last Updated date.

34. Relationship With Other BNF Policies

This Accessibility Statement should be read together with other applicable BNF policies and website notices, including, where applicable:

  • Privacy Policy;
  • Terms of Use;
  • Website Disclaimer;
  • Cookie Policy;
  • Copyright & Intellectual Property Policy;
  • Safeguarding Policy;
  • Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy;
  • Complaints and Feedback Policy;
  • Whistleblower Policy;
  • Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy;
  • Research Ethics and Integrity Policies.

If there is an apparent conflict between this statement and another BNF policy, the relevant policy should be interpreted in accordance with its purpose, applicable organizational requirements, and the circumstances involved.

35. Accessibility, Equality, and Non-Discrimination

BNF supports inclusive participation and seeks to avoid unreasonable barriers to access to information and engagement opportunities. Accessibility is considered part of BNF’s broader commitment to:

  • Inclusion;
  • Equality;
  • Dignity;
  • Participation;
  • Community engagement;
  • Non-discrimination;
  • Responsible communication;
  • Respect for human rights;
  • Environmental and social responsibility.

BNF seeks to ensure that accessibility considerations are integrated into its digital communication and, where appropriate, its broader organizational and programmatic activities.

36. Contact Us About Accessibility

If you have an accessibility question, require information in an alternative format, or wish to report an accessibility barrier on the BNF website, please contact Bangladesh Nature Foundation.

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

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

Website: https://bdnature.org/

Please include sufficient information for BNF to understand the issue and, where possible, identify the relevant page, document, or website feature. BNF welcomes constructive feedback and will use accessibility-related feedback as part of its continuing effort to improve the accessibility and usability of its website.

37. Our Accessibility Commitment

Bangladesh Nature Foundation recognizes that access to information is an important component of meaningful participation in environmental conservation, research, education, community development, and public engagement. Our goal is to make the BNF website increasingly accessible, understandable, inclusive, and usable for as many people as reasonably practicable. We will continue to review our digital content, consider user feedback, address identified barriers, and incorporate accessibility into future website improvements.

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

Committed to accessible information, inclusive participation, and responsible communication.