Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has emphasized that botanical gardens are not merely recreational spaces but vital centers for nature conservation. The government is committed to transforming these gardens into conservation sites, and any effective proposals in this regard will be given due consideration.
She made these remarks today while delivering the inaugural address as the chief guest at the Annual Botanical Conference 2024, organized at Jahangirnagar University. She joined the event virtually from her Dhaka residence.
The Advisor highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to protect endangered forest areas, including hilly and coastal forests. However, she noted that while attempts are being made to regulate tourism for conservation, various challenges have emerged. She stressed the need to evict illegal encroachments and ensure reforestation in degraded forest areas. If deforestation occurs due to any development project, immediate afforestation measures must be implemented as an alternative.
She further stated that the government has initiated a comprehensive master plan for the restoration of sal forests. Merely planting native trees is not sufficient; long-term preservation efforts are equally crucial. She underscored that natural forests cannot be fully restored through social forestry alone, and no afforestation project should come at the cost of destroying existing natural forests.
Addressing urbanization challenges, she stated, Planned initiatives must be undertaken to promote greenery and urban forestry in Dhaka and other cities. She also stressed the importance of fulfilling constitutional commitments to biodiversity conservation through concrete actions.
Expressing admiration for Jahangirnagar University’s natural environment, she remarked that the campus has played a significant role in nurturing environmentalists due to its deep connection with nature. She urged other universities to foster similar eco-friendly environments.
The conference, presided over by Professor Dr. M. Azizur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Botanical Society, was attended by distinguished guests, including Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University; Professor Dr. M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Professor Dr. Sohel Ahmed, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Professor Dr. M. Abdur Rab, Treasurer; and eminent faculty members from the Faculty of Science.
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