Forest Restoration in Bangladesh: Local Innovations and Global Restoration Agendas

This volume offers an in-depth exploration of forest restoration in Bangladesh, presenting a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences to address the growing national and global interest in this critical area.Drawing on diverse perspectives, the volume examines the successes, challenges, and future directions of restoration efforts across various landscapes. Key topics include community-based initiatives by the Arannayk Foundation, the drivers of deforestation and degradation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and the role of integrated policies and strategic planning in advancing socio-economic and ecological goals. Innovative approaches such as satellite imagery for monitoring land-use changes in the Ratargul Swamp Forest and adaptive strategies for drought-prone regions under climate uncertainty are highlighted. The book also provides a detailed analysis of restoration failures, synthesising evidence from scientific and policy sources alongside case studies from the Madhupur Sal Forest. Further insights explore the influence of soil variability on restoration outcomes, offering a framework for rehabilitating degraded Sal forests, and examine the challenges and future prospects of mangrove restoration. The concluding section distils key lessons and provides a roadmap for sustainable restoration practices in Bangladesh.This volume is an invaluable resource for researchers, students, practitioners, policymakers, and restoration managers, combining scientific rigour with practical insights to advance forest conservation and restoration efforts.

About the Author

A. Z. M. Manzoor Rashid is Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Bangladesh.

Mahmood Hossain is Professor of Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh, and Head of Department of Environmental Studies and Sustainability and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

Rakibul Hasan Mukul is Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests at the Bangladesh Forest Department.