Green Bangladesh শ্যামল বাংলা

Bangladesh's 147,570 sq km ( roughly the size of England and Wales) are situated on a fertile alluvial plain formed by large rivers, the Padma and the Jamuna. Bangladesh is bordered by India to the north-east and west, Myanmar to the south-east, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. The climate in Bangladesh is sub-tropical, with temperatures ranging from a daytime low of 18`c in the cold season to

a maximum of 40`c in the summer. Annual rainfall ranges from 200 to 400 cm. The country has four main seasons, Winter (Dec-Feb), Summer(Mar-May), Monsoon (Jun-Sep) and Autumn (Oct-Nov). From a mainly feudal agrarian base, the economy of Bangladesh has undergone rapid structural transformation towards manufacturing and services. The contribution of the agriculture sector to GDP has dwindled from 50 percent in 1972-73 to around 20 percent in 1999-2000. The agricultural sector is, however, still the main employment provider. The staple crop is rice, with paddy fields accounting for nearly 70% of all agricultural land. Industrial production growth has averaged more than 6% over the last 5 years. The export sector has been the engine of industrial growth, with ready-made garments leading the way, having grown at an average of 30% over the last 5 years. Primary products constitute less than 10 percent of the country`s exports; the bulk of exports are manufactured/processed products, ready-made garments and knit wears in particular. Forestry is a long-term production system. It has manifold contribution towards the welfare of mankind. The multiple use of forest resources have been recognized from the advent of civilization. The Forestry sector contributes about 5% of the total GDP (Gross domestic product) of Bangladesh. This does not reflect the true contribution of this sector. The rural population uses fuelwood and other minor forest products practically free of cost. Forest also plays an important role in protecting watersheds, irrigation and hydraulic structure, also in keeping the rivers and ports navigable. It also plays key role in protecting the coastal areas from natural calamities. The role of forest in protecting the environment from pollution and its contribution towards bio-diversity is immense. More than 50% of Bangladesh’s forest has disappeared in the last 30 years and today, the forests in sanctuaries and national parks – collectively known as "Protected Areas" – are critically threatened. At this rate of degradation, many unique flora and fauna will be lost forever. If we really care about the CO2 in the atmosphere then we need to cut down less trees and re-plant those we have already taken out, then plant another 6 Billion more, yes that is a Billion with a "B". Land Clearing, deforestation and other issues is a huge calamity. Trees take CO2 and turn it to oxygen, and if we plant 6-8 Billion trees we might solve the Climate Change, greenhouse problems. Indeed, we are losing 2-acres a minute as has been noted. Lots of issues out there indeed.