Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has announced that the government will implement a structured programme to expand state-controlled forest coverage to 20 percent of the country’s total land area.

Speaking at a meeting on Forest Department development at Ban Bhaban in Dhaka on Saturday, Rizwana said afforestation drives will target newly emerged riverine chars, coastal areas, and unused lands nationwide. Modern training programmes will be introduced to improve the skills of forest workers.

The plan includes integrated measures to protect existing forests, conserve biodiversity, and address climate change impacts. A digital monitoring system will be introduced to ensure transparency and efficiency in the Forest Department’s activities.

In wildlife conservation efforts, the government will restore elephant corridors, establish an orphanage for captive elephants, and promote community-based tourism in Madhupur. A Nature Learning Centre will also be set up in Purbachal to educate children and adolescents on biodiversity.

“Our forests are not merely a collection of trees — they are a shield for our lives. We must all come forward to expand and conserve them,” Rizwana said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Ministry Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed and Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury.