Social Forestry Should Not Be Implemented in Natural Forests: Syeda Rizwana Hasan
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized that social forestry initiatives should not be introduced in natural forests. She noted that trees planted in social forestry are later harvested, and profits are distributed among beneficiaries. However, she reminded that the primary duty of the Forest Department is to protect natural forests, not to distribute funds.
The Advisor further stressed the importance of planting indigenous tree species rather than eucalyptus and acacia in forestation projects. She also highlighted the need to secure farmers’ rights within forestry initiatives, urging that conflicts between the Forest Department and farmers be resolved. A harmonious coexistence between forest...