103,960 hectares forest restored by SUFAL project: Rizwana
She shared that 103,960 hectares of forestland have been restored, with notable improvements in the diversity of indigenous plant species across hill tracts, Sal forests, and coastal zones
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (21 May) highlighted the landmark achievements of the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) Project, which is driving forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and improved community livelihoods across Bangladesh.
She shared that 103,960 hectares of forestland have been restored, with notable improvements in the diversity of indigenous plant species across hill tracts, Sal forests, and coastal zones.
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Speaking as the chief guest at the wrap-up meeting of the World Bank Implementation Support Mission at the ministry's conference room, the environment adviser focused on the successful rollout of the Site-Specific Planning (SSP) tool using an ODK-based dashboard.
This digital innovation has enabled the Forest Department to adopt data-driven approaches for restoration planning, a ministry press release said.
Rizwana also mentioned the completion of the Red List assessment for 1,000 plant species and the formulation of a strategic management plan to tackle Invasive Alien Plant Species in five Protected Areas.
Among the project's other notable accomplishments were the approval of the National Conservation Strategy and the Plan of Action for Sharks and Rays, along with the development of Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) for four shark and ray species—a critical step toward ensuring sustainable wildlife trade.
The adviser emphasised the full operationalisation of the Community Operations Manual (COM) in 615 Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) institutions, directly benefiting over 41,000 forest-dependent individuals.
A significant achievement was the integration of 50% women's representation in all sub-committees of these CFM bodies, reinforcing gender equity in forest governance, she said.
She further noted that environmental and social safeguards have been embedded across all field operations, including plantations and infrastructure development, while e-Government Procurement (e-GP) ensured transparency and accountability in all procurement processes.
Rizwana thanked the World Bank for its continuous support and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable forest management in Bangladesh.
Md Khayrul Hasan, additional secretary (Development); Lubna Yeasmin, joint secretary; Amir Hosain Chowdhury, chief conservator of Forests; Gobinda Roy, project director, SUFAL; and representatives from the World Bank including Christian Albert Peter, practice manager, South Asia, Global Department of Environment, World Bank; Anna C. O'Donnell, practice manager, Social Development, South Asia; Istiak Sobhan, senior environment specialist, World Bank; Margaret Armold, senior social development specialist, World Bank; Bushra Nishat, environment specialist, World Bank; Jihae Kwon, environmental economist, World Bank were also present at the meeting, among others.
