The Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) and FAO celebrated the International Day of Forests (IDF) on 21 March 2017. A discussion session was held at Hoimonti Auditorium of Bana Bhaban, Agargaon, Dhaka. The event took the IDF theme of 2017 ‘Forests and Energy’ as of particular relevance to Bangladesh as trees and forests have provided major sources of energy to our people since antiquity.

Mr Anwar Hossain Manju, Hon’ble Minister, Mr Abdullah Al Islam Jakob, Hon’ble Deputy Minister and Mr Istiaque Ahmad, Secretary from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), notable senior government officials, representatives from the donors and international organizations and national experts attended the event; while the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) presided over the sessions.

The event was highlighted the role of forest and trees in providing a vital source of energy for many purposes not least of which are cooking by rural households, manufacturing activities by micro, small and medium industries.

Forestry expert and former Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) - Mr Md Yunus Ali and IUCN Country Representative, Mr Istiaq Uddin Ahmed pointed out the challenges of forest governance and possible solutions. In addition, the recent achievements in forest management were highlighted in the discussion. Adoption of innovative forest management practices by BFD have been proven to be promising and, are being used by other countries in the world.

Mr Anwar Hossain Manju, MP, and Hon’ble Minister, MoEF addressed the critical issues of sustaining forest areas in the context of rapid economic development of Bangladesh, but reemphasized his commitment to the protection of the environment and forests of the country. Among the guests of honour, Dr Sue Lautze, FAO Representative in Bangladesh stressed the importance of forest in contributing to the wellbeing of people stressing those socio-economic activities that derive from forest ecosystem services. She also highlighted FAO’s involvement in Bangladesh Forest Inventory (BFI) implementation, UN-REDD national program and the Country Investment Plan for Environment, Forestry and Climate Change sectors of Bangladesh. These projects exemplify the shared commitment of FAO, its partners, and the Government to the development and well-being of the people of Bangladesh through the improved management of the country’s forests and environment. Yet to realize this potential, increasing and more coordinated investments and support are needed. CCF made a closing remark by urging all the relevant stakeholders to work together for saving forest.

An exhibition took place outside the auditorium where FAO, BFD, Arannayk Foundation and IUCN displayed and distributed their publications to visitors. In addition, FAO introduced their BFI equipment, new technologies (Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) etc.) to the guests and visitors. FAO presented an animation on land use change of Bangladesh. A total number of 250 guests attended the event on IDF.

Related links:

Op-Ed by Dr Sue Lautze, FAO Representative in Bangladesh: www.thedailystar.net/opinion/environment/the-vital-link-between-forests-and-energy-1379188

Youtube videos:

Bangladesh Forest Inventory:                   https://youtu.be/le3YP2ioLzc

International Day of Forest 2017 (Bengali): https://youtu.be/B00M8LpqGbg