Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Md Shahab Uddin said that the government of Bangladesh is implementing afforestation on a massive scale to combat desertification and prevent land degradation. Work is underway to build a land degradation-neutral country by 2030 in line with sustainable development by preventing land degradation. The government led by Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is implementing various projects and activities for prevention of deforestation, restoration of forests, creation of new forests, conservation of biodiversity, prevention of land erosion and protection of natural environment. He said Bangladesh would be successful if the people planted trees at a higher rate as per their ability.
This Environment Minister Md Shahab Uddin said this while addressing as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Department of Environment on Monday on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2022.
The Environment Minister said that the effect of desertification is being seen in some areas of the northern region of Bangladesh. Therefore, it is necessary to take practical steps to prevent desertification and work towards its implementation. To prevent desertification and soil degradation, the land needs to be turned into fertile land in order to produce more food. This time, he said, UNCCD's COP15 was held in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast, to ensure the effectiveness of the land. I believe that in the light of this year's theme of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, concerted efforts to address the adverse effects of desertification and drought have yielded positive results.
Director General of the Department of Environment presided over the seminar.
Deputy Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Habibun Nahar addressed the seminar as special guests. Former Professor of Sher E Bangla Agriculture University Dr. Abdul Hamid and Director of Dhaka Laboratory, Department of Environment Dr. Mu Sohrab Ali were present as the discussants.
Dr. Amir Jahid Chief Scientific Officer of Soil Resource Development Institute and Md. Abdul Latif, Superintendent Engineer of Barind Multi-purpose Development Authority presented the keynote papers.
