National Forest Inventory key to climate action: Adviser Rizwana
The Forest Department of Bangladesh, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and financial backing from the World Bank through the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) project, hosted the workshop
The National Forest Inventory (NFI) is instrumental in supporting Bangladesh's national and international environmental commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), REDD+, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), on 28 June.
"NFI provides reliable, country-specific data essential for tracking carbon stocks, monitoring biodiversity, and developing sustainable forest policies," she stated during the "Result Dissemination Workshop of the Second Cycle of the National Forest Inventory (NFI)" at the Hoimonti Auditorium, Ban Bhaban, Dhaka.
The Forest Department of Bangladesh, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and financial backing from the World Bank through the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) project, hosted the workshop.
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Implemented between March 2024 and early 2025, the second cycle of the NFI covered 1,858 permanent sample plots across five ecological zones—Sundarbans, Hill, Sal, Coastal, and Village. Of these, 1,702 plots were accessible; 47 were inaccessible and 109 remained unsampled due to natural or human constraints. In addition, 6,400 household surveys were conducted nationwide to assess forest dependency and socio-economic conditions.
Equipped with remote sensing, GIS mapping, and modern forestry tools, the NFI enables precise reporting and supports action on forest degradation and climate adaptation. The data gathered plays a vital role in Bangladesh's environmental strategies, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), REDD+, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Jiaoqun Shi, praised Bangladesh's progress, stating, "FAO is proud to support this process that not only delivers credible and verifiable forest data, but also builds national capacity, strengthens institutions, and promotes inclusive participation."
Technical presentations by Zaheer Iqbal, Rajib Mahamud, and Nikhil Chakma shed light on biomass trends, carbon stocks, land use changes, and community engagement.
In his closing remarks, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury emphasised the inclusive and data-rich nature of the initiative, calling for a permanent, country-led forest monitoring system.
