Forest protected area governance in Bangladesh: a focus on the legal and policy framework

Abstract

In the context of renewed interest in collaboration in natural resource management, the collaborative governance approach has lately been introduced to the forest Protected Areas (PAs) in Bangladesh. The adoption of this co-management approach is seen as an attempt to influence the governance process towards a transformation from the conventional custodian system to a more participatory management regime. Recognition of rights and responsibilities, effective participation, and equitable distribution of benefits amongst the key stakeholders working under a facilitative policy and legal framework are believed to address the broader goals of sustainable development. Notwithstanding the resurgence of interest in governance of forest PAs through the co-management approach, academic research on the subject remains limited. This article attempts to review selected key information and milestones on the forest PAs governance with special reference to the major policies and legal documents. With a brief introductor...