Bangladesh Takes Initiative to Restore Endangered Flora and Fauna

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has launched an initiative to restore five lost plant species and five endangered animal species, with plans to complete the project before the upcoming International Biodiversity Day, according to the ministry's advisor, Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

She shared this information on Tuesday, March 18, during a discussion with officials and staff at the Bangladesh National Herbarium, adjacent to the Mirpur National Botanical Garden.

"The government is taking various measures to conserve biodiversity," said the environmental advisor. "Under the Biodiversity Act, a biodiversity register will be created, and research on endangered trees and lost plant species will be expanded. A booklet will also be published to facilitate access to relevant information for stakeholders." She further emphasized that the National Herbarium should serve not only as a conservation center but also as a crucial hub for research and education. She instructed that coordination with the Forest Department should be strengthened to enhance the quality of research.

Prior to the discussion, Rizwana Hasan visited the National Herbarium's Plant Museum and later inspected the National Botanical Garden.

Several high-ranking officials were present during the visit, including Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; Shamima Begum, Joint Secretary (Forest); Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests; Md. Rezaul Karim, Director of the National Herbarium; and Shawkat Imran Arafat, Director of the National Botanical Garden.