BMirror Report:

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has issued directives for the formulation of national guidelines aimed at promoting afforestation efforts across Bangladesh, including the capital city Dhaka. The minister emphasized the identification and inclusion of tree species capable of reducing temperatures and enhancing environmental quality in the guidelines.

On Tuesday, speaking as the chief guest at a review meeting assessing the progress of projects included in the Annual Development Program (ADP) for the fiscal year 2023-24, Minister Chowdhury underscored the importance of aggressive tree plantation drives to mitigate rising temperatures in urban areas like Dhaka. He stressed the urgent need to identify suitable locations for tree planting and to accelerate afforestation efforts while ensuring the protection of water bodies.

The minister further announced a new policy for project selection under the Bangladesh Climate Trust Fund, wherein projects must attain a minimum score of eighty marks to be considered for funding. Priority allocation will be granted to projects focusing on climate-vulnerable coastal regions, refugee communities, and adaptation initiatives. Additionally, efforts will be made to fulfill international commitments pertaining to climate change mitigation.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, was attended by senior officials including Secretary Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretaries Iqbal Abdullah Haroon, Md. Mosharraf Hossain, and Dr. Fahmida Khanam, as well as Director General of the Department of Environment Abdul Hamid, Managing Director of the Climate Change Trust Fund Md Zainal Abedin, and Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, among others.

During the meeting, the progress of various projects under the ministry’s purview was reviewed. Minister Chowdhury urged officials to take necessary measures to ensure the timely completion of projects in line with set targets.