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Forest Restoration through Village Common Forests in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh: The Role of NGO Interventions

Author

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  • Md. Shafiqul Bari

    (Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh)

  • Md. Manik Ali

    (Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh)

  • Mohammad Jahangir Alam

    (Department of Agribusiness and Marketing, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh)

  • Mahmuod Abubakar Bashir

    (Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh)

  • Oliver Tirtho Sarkar

    (Department of Environment and Development Studies, United International University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh)

  • Sharif A. Mukul

    (Department of Environment and Development Studies, United International University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
    Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4556, Australia
    Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

Abstract

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are widely recognized for their support of biodiversity conservation and forest restoration in tropical developing countries. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh, ethnic forest-dependent communities have long maintained the Village Common Forest (VCF), an ancestral forest managed for community well-being. In recent years, some VCFs in the CHT have received support from local and international NGOs due to their perceived role in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and improving local livelihoods. Although such support remains limited, its impacts on forest restoration and vegetation are not yet fully investigated. In the present study, we used remote sensing techniques and field surveys to measure vegetation cover changes and tree diversity in selected VCFs in the area. Our findings indicate that vegetation condition and tree diversity were better in NGO-supported VCFs compared with those without NGO intervention. Based on our study, we recommend increasing NGO involvement in VCF management with a more holistic and ecosystem-based approach, fostering institutional cooperation addressing land ownership issues, developing a market for forest ecosystem services, and improving local capacity for science-based forest management and ecosystem restoration in the CHT.

Suggested Citation

  • Md. Shafiqul Bari & Md. Manik Ali & Mohammad Jahangir Alam & Mahmuod Abubakar Bashir & Oliver Tirtho Sarkar & Sharif A. Mukul, 2024. "Forest Restoration through Village Common Forests in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh: The Role of NGO Interventions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8490-:d:1488893
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ahammad, Ronju & Stacey, Natasha & Sunderland, Terry C.H., 2019. "Use and perceived importance of forest ecosystem services in rural livelihoods of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 87-98.
    2. Chazdon, Robin L. & Wilson, Sarah J. & Brondizio, Eduardo & Guariguata, Manuel R. & Herbohn, John, 2021. "Key challenges for governing forest and landscape restoration across different contexts," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    3. Uddin, Mohammad Nizam & Hossain, Mohammad Mosharraf & Chen, Yong & Siriwong, Wapakorn & Boonyanuphap, Jaruntorn, 2019. "Stakeholders' perception on indigenous community-based management of village common forests in Chittagong hill tracts, Bangladesh," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 102-112.
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