Landmark Achievements in Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods Project in Bangladesh

Strategic Insights -

The Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) Project, driven by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has achieved significant milestones in forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and improved community livelihoods across Bangladesh. With a focus on data-driven approaches, the project has made notable strides in forestland restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community involvement. The project's success has been marked by the adoption of digital innovations, strategic management plans, and the embedding of environmental and social safeguards across all field operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • 103,960 hectares of forestland have been restored across Bangladesh, with significant improvements in the diversity of indigenous plant species across hill tracts, Sal forests, and coastal zones.
  • The Site-Specific Planning (SSP) tool, powered by an ODK-based dashboard, has enabled the Forest Department to adopt data-driven approaches for restoration planning.
  • 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.
  • 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, has ensured sustainable wildlife trade.
  • The full operationalization of the Community Operations Manual (COM) in 615 Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) institutions has directly benefited over 41,000 forest-dependent individuals.
  • Fifty percent women's representation has been integrated into all sub-committees of the CFM bodies, promoting gender equity in forest governance.
  • Environmental and social safeguards have been embedded across all field operations, including plantations and infrastructure development.
  • The use of e-Government Procurement (e-GP) has ensured transparency and accountability in all procurement processes.

Statistics:

  • 103,960 hectares of forestland have been restored.
  • 1,000 plant species have undergone Red List assessment.
  • 615 Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) institutions have operationalized the Community Operations Manual (COM).
  • 41,000 forest-dependent individuals have directly benefited from the project.
  • Fifty percent women's representation has been integrated into all sub-committees of the CFM bodies.

Sources:

  • World Bank Implementation Support Mission, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh.