Preparation of the National Tree Species Database is now underway
Currently, inconsistent and incomplete tree species lists make it difficult to assess biodiversity and the associated ecosystem services, in Bangladesh. Approximately 20% of the tree species identified in previous forest inventories remain inappropriately identified. The common use of vernacular names in species identification presents further issues as these names often differ in different parts of the country. The Bangladesh National Herbarium (BNH) has launched a collaborative project by hosting the National Consultation for the development of a national tree species database - with the technical support from the FAO project on “Strengthening National Forest Inventory and Satellite Land Monitoring System in support of REDD+ in Bangladesh” funded by USAID) On Wednesday, 18 May 2016.
Establishment of a tree species list in Bangladesh will be crucial for the assessment and management of forestry resources and for analysis of forest inventory data. The preparation of the new national tree species database is funded through a letter of agreement between BNH and FAO.
“Modern techniques of botanical identification have the potential to achieve a greater level of confidence in the species identification process” said Dr Sarder Nasir Uddin, Principal Scientist, BNH.
The appropriate development and, use of new methods and techniques require basic elements, namely a reliable, consistent and correct species list, field identification capacity, and the capacity in order to manage botanical data, elements which this project aims to develop. As a part of the activities, BNH will provide training and develop training material through collaborating with the FAO project on developing the National Forest Inventories.
“The partnership between FAO and BNH provides an opportunity to further biodiversity protection in Bangladesh” said Ms Hosne Ara, Director, BNH.
Mr. Md. Nurul Karim, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest, and also the Chief Guest at the ceremony explained that BNH can play a critical role in conservation of the nation’s resources. He also thanked FAO for their continued support in fighting biodiversity loss.