Local Communities Urged to Help Protect Grazing Lands

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for greater involvement of local communities in protecting grazing lands and ensuring sustainable land management.

He made the call during a ministerial dialogue at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He also stressed the need to protect khas and community-owned lands while strengthening the economic capacity of rural communities.

The minister said Bangladesh is not traditionally a country with vast grazing lands. However, the livestock sector plays an important role in the country’s rural economy and livelihoods. Agricultural land after harvesting, fallow land, char areas, wetlands and areas along roads are commonly used for livestock grazing. The livestock sector contributes around 2 percent to the country’s gross domestic product and supports the livelihoods of millions of people.

He noted that grazing areas are gradually declining due to population pressure and competing land-use demands. The decline is particularly significant in coastal areas. Against this backdrop, he stressed the importance of identifying and mapping community and khas grazing lands, strengthening cooperation between local administrations and communities, and establishing simple and effective mechanisms for resolving land-use disputes.

Highlighting the ecological importance of Bangladesh’s wetlands and flood-prone areas, Mintoo said these ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility, regulating water, conserving biodiversity and storing carbon. Therefore, livestock production and environmental conservation should not be viewed as conflicting priorities but should instead be integrated into national land-management planning.

Citing the example of Tanguar Haor, the minister said community-based management has produced positive results in conserving biodiversity and natural resources. However, he stressed that sustained funding and long-term institutional commitment are essential to ensure the success of such initiatives over the long term.