Botanical Gardens to Be Developed as Conservation Sites

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized the importance of botanical gardens as more than just recreational spaces, describing them as critical hubs for nature conservation. She affirmed that the government is committed to transforming these gardens into conservation sites and will consider any effective proposals to support this goal.

Rizwana made these remarks on Friday during her inaugural address as the chief guest at the Annual Botanical Conference 2024, held at Jahangirnagar University. She joined the event virtually from her residence in Dhaka.

The adviser highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to protect endangered forest areas, including hilly and coastal forests. While tourism is being regulated for conservation, she noted the challenges posed by illegal encroachments and stressed the need for reforestation in degraded forest areas. She called for immediate afforestation measures whenever deforestation occurs due to development projects.

Additionally, Rizwana announced the government's comprehensive master plan for restoring sal forests, emphasizing that planting native trees alone is insufficient. Long-term preservation efforts are essential, and she underscored that social forestry cannot fully restore natural forests. She also cautioned against afforestation projects that might harm existing natural forests.

Addressing urbanization, Rizwana pointed out the need for planned initiatives 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.

Praising the natural environment of Jahangirnagar University, she noted that the campus has fostered many environmentalists due to its deep connection with nature and urged other universities to create similar eco-friendly environments.

The conference, chaired by Professor Dr. M. Azizur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Botanical Society, was attended by prominent figures, 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), and Professor Dr. M. Abdur Rab, Treasurer, along with other faculty members from the Faculty of Science.