Adviser to environment, forest and climate change ministry Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Monday that a Red List of 1,000 endangered plant species has been prepared to ensure effective conservation and management of plant species in Bangladesh.
She shared the information at the publication event of the “Red List of Plants of Bangladesh” held in the Ministry's conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
According to the list, 271 species are minimally threatened, 256 species lack sufficient data, and 395 species are vulnerable, among which 5 are critically endangered, 127 are endangered, and 263 are near threatened. Additionally, 70 species are classified as nearly threatened, while 7 have been identified as regionally extinct.
The initiative would support prioritizing plant conservation and contribute to the government’s biodiversity conservation goals, she said, adding, “The Red List of Plants would provide conservationists with essential data to guide conservation efforts and allocate resources effectively.”
“The Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh” has documented 3,813 plant species, which require evaluation for future conservation efforts. This list will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers, aiding in achieving environmental stability and promoting biodiversity conservation at national and international levels, she added.
The environment adviser also noted the development of special management strategies in five protected forest areas to reduce the impact of invasive plant species. Research has identified 17 invasive plant species in Bangladesh, such as water hyacinth and Assam liana, which pose environmental threats. Measures to control these impacts include import restrictions, prevention of commercialization, and effective management practices. These initiatives are expected to play a vital role in preserving forests and forest resources, both nationally and internationally.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
