Can Bangladesh bring back the green cover through indigenous species plantation?

Abstract

Abstract Per capita forestland in Bangladesh is declining at an alarming rate. The recurrent anthropogenic disturbances have rendered the natural forests inhospitable for the natural regeneration and growth of wild plant associates, causing a net loss of biodiversity. Instead of native species plantation, exotic species have become an increasingly important source of timber, which negatively impacts the natural habitats. Hence, the study explored different options for native species plantation based on habitat types and the level of degradation. It is revealed that natural succession is suitable for increasing the canopy coverage in natural forest areas. In the core and buffer zones of each forest natural regeneration should be facilitated to maintain the ecological balance and to ensure continuous forest coverage. In addition, direct seeding in the buffer zone and degraded forest areas can improve the naturalness. Advanced regeneration of rare or endangered species can protect the species from extinction. Very fast-growing and timbering native species should be planted in the encroached areas. The deep-rooted species can reinforce riverbanks against erosion better than the shallow-rooted ground cover. Trees with large canopies and deep roots can protect the coastal belt. Screw pine (Pandanus) can grow on dunes and has thick ‘prop roots’ to anchor itself in the loose sand. Tanguya plantation should consist of growing annual crops along with forest trees during the early establishment of forest plantations on the hills. Fast-growing and timbering trees can increase the green cover in the fallow land. The ornamental trees simultaneously can increase the green cover and beauty in urban areas.