STATUS OF FOREST GENETIC RESOURCES IN BANGLADESH

Natural reserve in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, located in the humid tropical region is rich in species diversity and is unique in the diversity of genetic resources compared to its land area. It has about 5700 species of angiosperms and four species of gymnosperms. There are about 86 timber species, 130 species yielding fiber and 29 medicinal plant species available in the country. Bamboo resources of 18 taxa, 9 species of rattan and 12 species of palm are available in the country. However, it must be noted that comprehensive information on forest genetic resource is not available in the country. Information on species diversity in terms of (i) chromosome numbers, (ii) morphological variation, (iii) flowering and seed production habits, (iv) flowering time and nature and (v) seed morphology and viability, etc. are available only for a few agricultural species. Forest's species are neglected in this respect.

Genetic resources play an important role in improving the quality and quantity of forest products. In this respect, forest genetic resources provide the source material for selection of mother trees, provisional plus trees and establishment of seed orchards. It is associated with the conservation of superior genetic materials and their subsequent improvement. Ultimately, the improved materials will be utilized in national programmes to enhance the productivity of forests.

The natural forests of Bangladesh have been seriously degraded, resulting in serious genetic erosion of forest genetic resources. There is a critical need to develop coordinated efforts to conserve and manage forest genetic resources. Effective and hopeful efforts have been developed into conservation activities, but national and international financial and technical assistances are needed to bring about success.