Bangladesh has called for joint efforts of the 13 tiger range countries in the world to save tigers and nature.
The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin made the call at the 4th Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation, joining virtually, held on Friday.
The implementation of the joint Kuala Lumpur statement would play a significant role in increasing and stabilising the population of the tigers, the minister added.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Bin Hassan, minister for Water, Land and Natural Resources, Malaysia presided over the conference whereas ministers of Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal & Russia; member of parliaments; delegates from Tiger Range Countries were present.
The government is working to conserve tigers by achieving the zero poaching target with the active participation of the local community, said the minister.
Adoption of a new clause in the national constitution to protect and improve biodiversity, wetlands, forests and wildlife; Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012 has the provision of 2-7 years imprisonment and Tk 1.0 million fine for tiger poachers, the minister mentioned.
He said Bangladesh government is implementing National Tiger Recovery Programme (2017-2022) and second-generation Bangladesh Tiger Action Plan (2018-2027) which include tiger survey; genetic study; SMART patrolling and monitoring by drones inside the Sundarbans; capacity building programmes for Forest Department officials/ staffs as well as the local community to ensure protection & conservation of the Sundarbans and Bengal tiger.
Bangladesh has a shared tiger habitat with India and we have strengthened our collaboration and signed a protocol for the Conservation of Royal Bengal Tigers of the Sundarbans in 2011, he continued.
The 4th Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation set the common goal of stabilising the tiger population and its prey, as well as strengthening the conservation efforts addressing new issues within Tiger Range Countries.
