Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said that the government has prepared a red list of 1,000 plant species for the purpose of conservation and proper management of plant species in Bangladesh. He also said that by making this list, we have been able to accurately assess the endangered species of plants. In the list, 271 species are Least Threatened, 256 species are data-deficient, 395 species are Endangered, of which 5 are Critically Endangered, 127 are Endangered and 263 are Critically Endangered. In addition, 70 species have been identified as Near Threatened and 7 as Regionally Extinct.
The Environment Advisor said these things while speaking at the publication ceremony of 'Bangladesh Plant Red List Book' at the meeting room of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Monday (November 11).
The advisor said that this initiative will help prioritize plant conservation and will play a role in achieving the government's biodiversity conservation goals. Besides, according to the data of 'The Encyclopaedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh', 3813 plant species have been included, which need future evaluation. This list will serve as a valuable resource for policy makers and researchers. It will contribute to achieving environmental stability and conservation of biodiversity at national and international levels. The advisor said the Plant Red List would be an essential information repository for conservationists, which would ensure effective allocation of conservation efforts and resources.
He further mentioned, we have formulated special management strategies in five selected protected forest areas to reduce the impact of invasive plant species. The study identified 17 invasive plant species in Bangladesh, such as Kachuripana and Assam creeper. They are wreaking havoc on the environment and there is a need to take preventive measures. These strategies will include import bans on invasive species, prevention of commercialization, and implementation of effective management methods. These initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to the national and international significance of Bangladesh in the conservation of forests and forest resources.
Ministry's Additional Secretary ASM Humayun Kabir, Additional Secretary Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, Chief Forest Conservator Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, World Bank Senior Environmental Specialist Ishtiaq Sobhan, IE CNA representative Sarwar Alam and others were present on the occasion.
