Massive tree plantation can reduce carbon emission: Speakers

RAJSHAHI, Mar 3 (BSS): Massive tree plantation can help reduce carbon emission at a substantial level and that is very important to face the adverse impact of climate change in the vast Barind tract, speakers at a participatory discussion said here today.
They viewed that there is no alternative to creating more forest area which needs adequate financial support from both national and international donor agencies.
The observations came at a capacity building workshop styled "Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+)" held at the conference hall of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Rajshahi city.
Barendra Unnayan Prochesta (BUP) and Barendra Campaign Group jointly organized the workshop in association with Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood and OXFAM.
In his welcome speech, Foyzullah Chowdhury, Director of BUP, gave an overview of the workshop and sought well-thought-out opinion from the participants on the issue.
During his keynote presentation, Prof Dr Bidhan Chandra Das of Department of Zoology of Rajshahi University said optimum afforestation could help stop degradation of environment and biodiversity making the country a safe habitat for all.
Expanding the country's forest area by up to 25 percent of the total landscape will protect Bangladesh from the possible alarming consequences of the ongoing climate changes, he added.
Stressing the need for formulating time-befitting policy he pointed out that the present impacts of climate change have adversely affected the region's agriculture, irrigation, navigation, ecology, bio-diversity, weather, environment and underground water levels.
The deteriorating rate of climate change cannot be reduced overnight and positive results of the proposed global efforts might start improving the situation very slowly in course of time.
He, however, said emphasis should be given on agriculture, food and social safety net, infrastructural development and disaster management and disaster risk reduction in the vast Barind tract.
In his deliberation, Prof Das also stressed for conducting more research to innovate newer technologies and ways for adaptation and expanded cultivation of stress tolerance and high yielding crops thorough popularising those among the farmers.
With Abu Muhammad Musha, Executive Director of Prova, in the chair, BUP Programme Coordinator Rashed Ibne Obayed also spoke.