Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for involving local communities in rangeland protection and sustainable land management. Speaking at a ministerial-level dialogue titled 'Restoration of Rangelands and the Well-being of Pastoralist Communities' during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP-17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Mintoo emphasized the importance of community participation in safeguarding rangelands.
Mintoo highlighted the need to protect both government-owned and community lands, stressing the importance of enhancing the economic capacity of rural communities. He noted that although Bangladesh is not traditionally known for vast rangelands, the livestock sector significantly contributes to the rural economy and the livelihoods of millions of people.
According to Mintoo, grazing areas in Bangladesh are shrinking due to population pressure and various forms of land use. Rangelands have notably declined, especially in coastal areas. Therefore, he stressed the necessity of identifying and mapping community and government-owned grazing lands, fostering stronger cooperation between local administrations and communities, and establishing effective mechanisms for resolving land-use disputes.
The minister also underscored the environmental significance of Bangladesh’s wetlands and flood-prone areas, which play a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility, regulating water, conserving biodiversity, and storing carbon. Mintoo argued that livestock production and environmental conservation should not be seen as conflicting objectives but should be integrated into national land management planning.
Citing the example of Tanguar Haor, Mintoo mentioned that community-based management has yielded positive results in conserving biodiversity and natural resources. However, he added that such initiatives require long-term commitment and sustained financing to ensure their long-term success.
Mintoo announced that Bangladesh would further integrate sustainable rangeland and common-land management with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the National Adaptation Plan, and the national roadmap for addressing land degradation, drought, and desertification. He called for adequate financing, accountability, and evidence-based measures for rangeland restoration and sustainable land management.
The minister expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to share its experiences with other countries and learn from their effective practices. The dialogue saw participation from ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of delegations from various countries, reflecting a global commitment to sustainable land management and community involvement.
