Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today attended at a workshop as the chief guest held at the Forest Department headquarters, Dhaka. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Jan 28, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said restoring lost forests is crucial for protecting nature and its biodiversity. 

She announced that the government will begin efforts to recover the Sal forest in Tangail from March. 

All should come forward to protect the country’s forests and ensure the participation of local communities in the restoration process, she said. 

Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on "Restoration of Madhupur Sal Forest through Co-management" held at the Forest Department headquarters here, the environment adviser said a plan of action will be developed considering the needs of forest-dependent communities. 

The plan will be updated if necessary, and a committee will be formed by March, she said.

Rizwana said a Village Forest Rule will be introduced to define the rights of forest-dependent communities and the responsibilities of the Forest Department.

She also stressed the need to resolving harassment-driven forest-related lawsuits quickly and stated that the Forest Department should collaborate with experts and forest-dependent communities.

The adviser mentioned that the Forest Department would plant trees on150 acres of forest land as part of the restoration efforts. 

Active participation of local communities is essential for the success of this initiative, she said, adding that their knowledge, experience, and support will be invaluable.

The workshop was chaired by Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests. 

Keynote papers were presented by Professor AZM Manjur Rashid of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Professor Dr. Md. Khaled Misbahuzzaman of the University of Chittagong, and Professor AK Fazlul Haque of Khulna University.

Senior officials of the ministry, environmentalists, researchers, media representatives, and members of local forest-dependent communities participated in the workshop.