Environmental Protection Case in Bangladesh

dEforestation

 Introduction

Though Bangladesh is a small country, she could once boast of plenty of trees and forests. Once upon a time there were thick forest near villages, towns and cities. Deforestation means cut down or destroying trees randomly. It has emerged as a critical environmental issue in Bangladesh, posing significant threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and the well-being of communities. Nowadays the population increasing rate is very high. So, people need more land for settlement and civilization. Some greedy people  cutting down the trees randomly. The most serious deforestation is found in the tropical countries and in the country of third world. Trees keep the balance of oxygen (O2) and carbon di-oxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Trees also keep balance of temperature and biodiversity. Birds can build their nest in the trees. However people, animals and insects lead their lives by taking food from trees. They all depend on trees for food and shelter. Now for deforestation temperature is increasing rapidly in Dhaka city as well as other cities in Bangladesh. This scenario also shows in other cities of the world. 25-35% of forest cover land is needed each country to live happily. Even each city also need same percentages area to overcome pollution. The total area of earth surface is approximately 149 square kilometres. According to FAO's Global Researches Assessment in 2020, the world has a total forest area is 4.6 billion hectares or 10 billion acres which is  31% of total land. In Bangladesh, total area is 1,48,460 square kilometre. Meanwhile it’s forest cover land is only 17.4%. A matter of concern is that Dhaka forest cover area is just only 2%. Besides the city has large no. Of air conditioner users. In 2023, the total population of Dhaka is 23,210,000. More than 65 percent users exists to use air conditioner in Dhaka city. For these reasons temperature should be increased day by day. Air conditioner release CFC gas. That's why the Ozone layer or O3 layer is depleting. So, different types or levels of UV light easily pass through the O3 level which is harmful for people life as well as other animals, trees and insects. Even many of now don’t exist. For example white elephant. For these light new plants can’t be survive. People never think it for nothing. If this deforestation is continuous, ice are melting of two poles. For which now lower tier country like Bangladesh will sink. 

Fig : Deforestation

Causes of Deforestation

Agriculture and Land Conversion :

 The expansion of agricultural activities, particularly for rice cultivation and shrimp farming, has led to large-scale deforestation. 

Fig : Land Conversion

Fig : Land Conversion

Logging and Timber Industry : 

Illegal logging and unsustainable timber extraction contribute to deforestation, driven by both local and international demands. 

Fig : Illegal Logging

Fig : Illegal Logging

Fig : Illegal Logging

Fig : Timber Industry

Urbanization and Infrastructure Development : 

Rapid urbanization and the construction of roads, highways, and industrial zones have resulted in clearing forests to make way for human settlements and industrial facilities.

Fig : Rapid Urbanization

Fig : Infrastructure Development

Fig : Infrastructure Development

Consequences of Deforestation 

Loss of Biodiversity : 

Deforestation leads to the destruction of habitats, causing the displacement and extinction of numerous plant and animal species. Such as white elephant, black panther, greater one-horned rhinoceros, the Asian two-horned rhinoceros, the gaur, the banteng, swamp deer, nilgai, Indian wolf, wild water buffalo and marsh crocodile. 

Fig: White Elephant

 

Fig: Black Panther

Fig: One-Horned Rhinoceros

Fig: Asian Rhinoceros

Fig: The Gaur

Fig: the Banteng

Fig: Swamp Deer

Fig: Nilgai

Fig: Indian Wolf

Fig: Wild Water Buffalo

Fig: Marsh Crocodile

Soil Erosion and Landslides : 

Tree cover plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and landslides, which become more frequent and severe in deforested areas. 

Climate Change : 

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, acting as carbon sinks. Deforestation contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates climate change. 

Water Cycle Disruption : 

Deforestation disrupts the water cycle, leading to reduced water availability, altered rainfall patterns, and increased vulnerability to droughts and floods.

Socio-economic Impacts : 

Deforestation affects local communities, particularly indigenous people, by depriving them of traditional livelihoods, exacerbating poverty, and triggering conflicts over resources.

Government Initiatives and Policies

Forest Conservation Act : 

Bangladesh has implemented the Forest Conservation Act, aiming to regulate and control deforestation activities. 

Afforestation and Reforestation Programs : 

The government has initiated afforestation and reforestation projects to restore forest cover and promote sustainable practices. 

Sustainable Forest Management :

 Efforts are being made to adopt sustainable forest management practices, including community-based initiatives and participatory approaches.

Solutions for Deforestation 

Strengthen Law Enforcement :

Enhance surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement of existing regulations to combat illegal logging and land encroachment. 

Promote Sustainable Agriculture :

 Encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming, to reduce the need for forest clearing. 

Support Community-Based Forest Management : 

Empower local communities and indigenous people to actively participate in forest management, fostering their involvement in decision-making processes. 

Develop Green Industries : 

Promote eco-friendly industries and sustainable forestry practices, such as timber certification, to reduce reliance on unsustainable practices. 

Awareness and Education : 

Conduct awareness campaigns and educational programs to highlight the importance of forests, biodiversity, and sustainable environmental practices among the general public.

Conclusion 

Deforestation remains a significant environmental challenge in Bangladesh, but concerted efforts, including strong government policies, community involvement, and sustainable practices, can help mitigate its adverse effects. By addressing the root causes of deforestation and implementing effective solutions, Bangladesh can protect its natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and ensure a sustainable future for its citizens. Environmental protection must be prioritized to safeguard the country's ecological balance and foster long-term resilience.