Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted the landmark achievements of the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) Project, which is driving forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and improved community livelihoods across Bangladesh.
She noted that 103,960 hectares of forestland have been restored, with significant improvements in the diversity of indigenous plant species across the hill tracts, Sal forests, and coastal zones.
She made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the wrap-up meeting of the World Bank Implementation Support Mission, held on Wednesday at the Ministry's Conference Room.
The environment adviser also emphasized the successful rollout of the Site-Specific Planning (SSP) tool, powered by an ODK-based dashboard. This digital innovation has enabled the Forest Department to adopt data-driven approaches for restoration planning.
Rizwana further shared that the Red List assessment for 1,000 plant species has been completed, and a strategic management plan has been developed to address Invasive Alien Plant Species in five Protected Areas.
Other notable accomplishments of the project include the approval of the National Conservation Strategy and the Plan of Action for Sharks and Rays, along with the development of Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) for four shark and ray species—an essential step towards ensuring sustainable wildlife trade.
She also highlighted the full operationalization of the Community Operations Manual (COM) in 615 Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) institutions, directly benefiting over 41,000 forest-dependent individuals.
A key milestone was the integration of 50% women’s representation in all sub-committees of these CFM bodies, promoting gender equity in forest governance.
Rizwana Hasan noted that environmental and social safeguards have been embedded across all field operations, including plantations and infrastructure development. Additionally, the use of e-Government Procurement (e-GP) has ensured transparency and accountability in all procurement processes.
She expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable forest management in Bangladesh..
