The Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin said that the 13 tiger range countries in the world should work unitedly in their continued efforts to save the tigers and nature.
He said, “Bangladesh government is working with the determination to conserve wild tigers by achieving zero poaching target with the active participation of the local community.”
The Minister hoped that the implementation of the joint Kualalampur statement would play a significant role in increasing and stabilizing the tiger population.
He made the remarks in the 4th Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation held on Friday, joining virtually from his official residence.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Bin Hassan, Minister for Water, Land and Natural Resources of Malaysia presided over the conference.
Ministers of Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal and Russia, Member of Parliaments, and delegates from tiger range countries were present on the occasion.
Environment Minister said, “Bangladesh government has taken several initiatives for conserving our national animal including other wild species and adopted new clause in the national constitution to protect and improve biodiversity, wetlands, forests and wildlife. Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012 has the provision of 2-7 years imprisonment and Tk 1 million fine for tiger poachers.
He said that the Bangladesh government is implementing the National Tiger Recovery Programme (2017-2022) and second-generation Bangladesh Tiger Action Plan (2018-2027) which include tiger survey, genetic study, smart patrolling and monitoring by drones launched inside the Sundarbans, capacity building programmes for Forest Department officials and staff as well as the local community to ensure protection and conservation of the Sundarbans.
The forest minister also said, “To mitigate tiger human conflicts, Bangladesh government has engaged the local community in tiger conservation activities by forming Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT), Co-management Committee (CMC) and Community Patrol Group (CPG). Wildlife Crime Control Unit has been established under Forest Department to combat illegal wildlife trade. To strengthen the capacity of wildlife education, research and training, Sheikh Kamal Wildlife Center has been established which is working as a center of excellence.”
Shahab Uddin also said, “Bangladesh has a shared tiger habitat with India and we have strengthened our collaboration and signed a protocol for the Conservation of Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sundarbans in 2011.”