DHAKA, Feb 4, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said the country's wetlands will be mapped in one year to conserve those.

"In addition, an inventory will be conducted for the proper use of water resources. Coordinated efforts should be made with a view to determining the course of action for the sustainable use of natural resources," he told a seminar here.

The Forest Department arranged the seminar at its headquarters here on the occasion of the World Wetlands Day.

Speaking as the chief guest, Saber Hossain said wetlands are an important part of environment, while it plays an important role in protecting biodiversity, controlling climate, checking floods and providing livelihoods.

The government has taken various effective steps to protect wetlands, he said, calling upon all to help protect the wetlands in the country.

Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr Abdul Hamid, director general, Department of Environment (DoE); Abdul Muqeed Majumdar Babu, chairman, Prokriti O Jibon Foundation; Enam Al Haque, founder, Bangladesh Bird Club; and Md Zahidul Kabir, deputy chief conservator of forests (Forest Management Wing), among others, spoke at the seminar with Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury in the chair.

Dr M Mokhlesur Rahman, executive director, Center for Natural Resources Studies, and Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division), made power-point presentations.