Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced today that the government will implement a structured program aimed at increasing the coverage of state-controlled forests to 20 percent of the country’s total land area. She shared this plan while presiding over a meeting focused on the development of the Forest Department at Ban Bhaban in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government intends to undertake afforestation on newly emerged riverine chars, coastal zones, and other fallow lands across the nation as part of its efforts to expand forest coverage. To support these initiatives, modern training programs will be introduced to enhance the skills of forest workers.
Rizwana emphasized the necessity of integrated measures to not only increase forest coverage but also to protect existing forest areas, conserve biodiversity, and address the impacts of climate change. She also highlighted the introduction of a digital monitoring system to ensure transparency and efficiency in the activities of the Forest Department, enabling officials to perform their duties according to the rules and actively contribute to forest development.
As part of efforts to conserve endangered wildlife, an Elephant Corridor Restoration program will be implemented, and a dedicated orphanage for captive elephants will be established. Moreover, community tourism initiatives are planned for the Madhupur area to promote local economic development and nature conservation.
To foster a love for nature and biodiversity among children and adolescents, an advanced Nature Learning Centre is planned to be set up in Purbachal, Dhaka. Rizwana underscored the importance of forests, stating, “Our forests are not merely a collection of trees – they are a shield for our lives. We must all come forward to expand and conserve our forests.”
The meeting was attended by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Shamima Begum, Joint Secretary (Forest); Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; and other senior officials from the Ministry and the Forest Department.