Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, stated that a Red List of 1,000 plant species has been prepared to ensure effective conservation and management of plant species in Bangladesh. She added that this list has enabled an accurate assessment of endangered plant species. According to the list, 271 species are minimally threatened, 256 species lack sufficient data, and 395 species are vulnerable, among which 5 are critically endangered, 127 are endangered, and 263 are near threatened. Additionally, 70 species are classified as nearly threatened, while 7 have been identified as regionally extinct.
The environmnet advisor shared these remarks on Monday, November 11, at the publication event of the “Red List of Plants of Bangladesh” held in the Ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The advisor emphasized that this initiative would support prioritizing plant conservation and contribute to the government’s biodiversity conservation goals. She further noted that “The Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh” has documented 3,813 plant species, which require evaluation for future conservation efforts. This list will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers, aiding in achieving environmental stability and promoting biodiversity conservation at national and international levels. She highlighted that the Red List of Plants would provide conservationists with essential data to guide conservation efforts and allocate resources effectively.
The advisor also noted the development of special management strategies in five protected forest areas to reduce the impact of invasive plant species. Research has identified 17 invasive plant species in Bangladesh, such as water hyacinth and Assam liana, which pose environmental threats. Measures to control these impacts include import restrictions, prevention of commercialization, and effective management practices. These initiatives are expected to play a vital role in preserving forests and forest resources, both nationally and internationally.
Among others present at the event were Additional Secretary A.S.M. Humayun Kabir, Additional Secretary Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary Tapan Kumar Biswas, Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Senior Environmental Specialist of the World Bank Ishtiaq Sobhan, and IUCN representative Sarwar Alam.