Environment, forest and climate change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the government will adopt a well-structured programme to increase the coverage of the state-controlled forests to 20 per cent of the country鈥檚 total land area.
As part of that effort afforestation initiatives would be undertaken on newly emerged riverine chars, coastal zones and other fallow land, she said on Saturday while presiding over a meeting held in the capital鈥檚 Ban Bhaban, said a press release.
Rizwana Hasan also said that to achieve the goal, modern training programmes would be introduced to enhance the skills of forest workers.
She emphasised the need for integrated measures not only to increase the forest coverage, but to protect forest areas also, conserve biodiversity and address the impacts of climate change.
She further said that to ensure transparency and efficiency in the activities of the Forest Department, a digital monitoring system would be introduced to enhance the performance of the forest development officials and help them discharge their duties in line with rules.
As part of the endangered wildlife conservation efforts, an Elephant Corridor Restoration programme will be implemented, and a dedicated orphanage for captive elephants will be established.
Additionally, community tourism initiatives would be launched in Madhupur to promote both local economic development and nature conservation, she added.
Environment and forest secretary Farhina Ahmed, chief conservator of forest Amir Hossain Chowdhury and other senior officials from the ministry and department were present at the meeting.
