STATUS OF FOREST GOVERNANCE IN BANGLADESH: A CASE STUDY ON BHAWAL NATIONAL PARK

ABSTRACT: The present study assessed the status of forest governance of Bhawal National Park (BNP) in Bangladesh. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and analyze data. The study identified that the BNP authority adhered to well-defined and  coherent  forest  policies  and laws of forest governance, having highest score (i.e., about 4.27) in five-points rating scale. However, the enforcement of forest laws and  regulations by the jurisdictional authorityis hindered due to  insufficient resources, including budgetaryconstraints, shortage of forest officials and  staff, inadequate toolsand technology, and delayed implementation resulting less effective influence on the forest  governance.  The involvement  of stakeholders in decision-making processesand access to information is limited. Additionally, there is not always a high enough level of transparency  and accountability, sometimes leading to misconduct and corruption among forest officials, secured the lowest score of forest governance (i.e., 1.15).  Overall, the composite score is nearly 1.90 represents less significant influence of forest governance for BNP resulting in one-third of the park is completely  under encroachment. The findings of this study are crucial for policymakers to determine the priority areas within the various components and pillars of forest governance.
 

Keywords: Bhawal national park, forest policies, governance, implementation