Ecotourism and Protected Area Conservation in Bangladesh: a Case Study on Understanding the Visitors Views on Prospects and Development

Rahman, Md. Habibur,Roy, Bishwajit,Anik, Sawon Istiak,Fardusi, Most. Jannatul Institute of Forest Science 2013 Journal of Forest Science Vol.29 No.1

Protected area based ecotourism is now the most interesting topic to the nature lover and policy maker throughout the world because of its linkage with economic benefits, protected area management and biodiversity conservation. Based on this premise our study explores the visitors' perception on the recreational potential of Kaptai National park and its potentiality in ecotourism development in Bangladesh. The field survey was carried out both in holidays and non-holidays of the week from the late winter season in 2009 to the spring season in 2010. A total of 118 visitors were interviewed with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. Study findings revealed that about 62% male constitute the visitors group with the maximum number of visitors in the age of between 15-25 years (35.59%). The tourists were very much attracted by boat riding (93.22%) followed by scenic beauty of Rampahar-Sitapahar (85.59%). A major portion of about 57.14% tourists wished to visit the park within a year because they got a lot of pleasure from Natural and green environment (86.44%) followed by boating on Kaptai Lake (85.59%). Most of the visitors (36%) were happy about existing facilities but defined some problems such as tour guiding facility, food and drinking water supply, etc. About 71% and 66% respondents perceived that Kaptai National Park made them to be concerned and protective of nature and supports and sustains local ecosystem respectively and 43% respondents agreed that Kaptai National Park ensures the social equity and involve local people in ecotourism which are the most important elements of sustainable ecotourism. The present study results also predict that the park might be a good recreational area for enjoying with family members and group of friends through proper management and promoting the relationships among tourism, local people and biodiversity conservation.

Ecotourism and Protected Area Conservation in Bangladesh: a Case Study on Understanding the Visitors Views on Prospects and Development

Md. Habibur Rahman,Bishwajit Roy,Sawon Istiak Anik,Most. Jannatul Fardusi 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2013 Journal of Forest Science Vol.29 No.1

Protected area based ecotourism is now the most interesting topic to the nature lover and policy maker throughout the world because of its linkage with economic benefits, protected area management and biodiversity conservation. Based on this premise our study explores the visitors’ perception on the recreational potential of Kaptai National park and its potentiality in ecotourism development in Bangladesh. The field survey was carried out both in holidays and non-holidays of the week from the late winter season in 2009 to the spring season in 2010. A total of 118 visitors were interviewed with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. Study findings revealed that about 62% male constitute the visitors group with the maximum number of visitors in the age of between 15-25 years (35.59%). The tourists were very much attracted by boat riding (93.22%) followed by scenic beauty of Rampahar-Sitapahar (85.59%). A major portion of about 57.14% tourists wished to visit the park within a year because they got a lot of pleasure from Natural and green environment (86.44%) followed by boating on Kaptai Lake (85.59%). Most of the visitors (36%) were happy about existing facilities but defined some problems such as tour guiding facility, food and drinking water supply, etc. About 71% and 66% respondents perceived that Kaptai National Park made them to be concerned and protective of nature and supports and sustains local ecosystem respectively and 43% respondents agreed that Kaptai National Park ensures the social equity and involve local people in ecotourism which are the most important elements of sustainable ecotourism. The present study results also predict that the park might be a good recreational area for enjoying with family members and group of friends through proper management and promoting the relationships among tourism, local people and biodiversity conservation.

Status, Distribution and Diversity of Invasive Forest Undergrowth Species in the Tropics: a Study from Northeastern Bangladesh

Md. Habibur Rahman,Mohammed Abu Sayed Arfin Khan,Most. Jannatul Fardusi,Bishwajit Roy 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2010 Journal of Forest Science Vol.26 No.3

This paper analyzes data on the composition, status, diversity, and distribution pattern of invasive forest undergrowth species in a protected area (Khadimnagar National Park) of Northeastern Bangladesh. Assessment was done by means of stratified random sampling to diversify the invasive forest undergrowth species. For vegetation survey, 45 plots were taken randomly in (2 m × 2 m) circular plot from three topographical regions namely top of the hill, middle slope and plain land (15 plots from each region) and a total of 715 individuals, 22 invasive species belonging to 17 families were recorded from the study site. Among invasive species, shrubs constitute 10 species, herbs 9 species, and vines 3 species respectively. Mass number of invasive undergrowth species was grows in plain land (45.45%) followed by middle slope (31.82%). Based on the survey, invasive undergrowth plants of study areas were also categorized into three degrees of invasiveness e.g., highly invasive, moderately invasive and potentially invasive. Herbs, shrubs, and vines constitute the highest density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. (1.09), relative density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. 6.85%; highest and lowest frequency was calculated at Cassia alata L. (64.44%) and Diplazium esculentum (24.44%); for relative frequency the highest was Cassia alata L., which occupies 6.64%. Determination of the abundance of the different species revealed that Cassia alata L., constitutes (3.36) followed by Pteris cretica Wilsonii (3.14) of the area. The presence of invasive undergrowth species always reduced the number of associated species. Therefore, an extensive in-depth long-term investigation, proper policy formulation and management interventions and further study and continuous monitoring on their impacts need to be triggered targeting the control of the invasive undergrowth species of this protected area. In this aspect, national and international organization could help to conserve its biodiversity.

Nonruminant Nutrition : Organic Water Additive on Growth Performances, Hematological Parameters and Cost Effectiveness in Broiler Production

( Munmun Saha ),( Sachidananda Das Chowdhury ),( Elias Hossain ),( Kamrul Islam ),( Bishwajit Roy ) 한국동물자원과학회(구 한국축산학회) 2011 한국축산학회지 Vol.53 No.6

The experiment was conducted with 144 broiler chicks from day-old to 5 weeks of age to investigate the efficacy of a water additive in broiler production. The chicks were randomly distributed into four different treatments namely T1(control), T2(water additive as per recommendation level), T3(25% less than recommendation) and T4(25% more than recommendation). Body weight of control group was higher in 2nd week of age, but at the end of the experiment additive groups showed higher values compare to control(p<0.05). Body weight gain was increased and feed conversion ratio was improved in the additives groups during the finishing and total period, although feed intake was different among the additive groups(p<0.05). When the hematological parameters were evaluated, packed cell volume and total erythrocytes counts were increased in the additive group that received 25% more than recommendation, and hemoglobin in 25% less than recommendation group. Mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin of the additive groups showed lower(p<0.05) values compare to the control, but other parameters were not affected. Sales price and profit were significantly higher in the additive groups compare to the control, although total production cost was increased in the additive groups(p<0.05). All levels of water additive increased profit in comparison with the control but 25% less than recommendation level appeared to be most profitable and cost effective. It also suggests that any additive considered for poultry, must undergo trial for determining efficacy as well as its cost effectiveness for application.

Status, Distribution and Diversity of Invasive Forest Undergrowth Species in the Tropics: a Study from Northeastern Bangladesh

Rahman, Md. Habibur,Khan, Mohammed Abu Sayed Arfin,Fardusi, Most. Jannatu,Roy, Bishwajit Institute of Forest Science 2010 Journal of Forest Science Vol.26 No.3

This paper analyzes data on the composition, status, diversity, and distribution pattern of invasive forest undergrowth in a protected area (Khadimnagar National Park) of Northeastern Bangladesh. Assessment was done by means of stratified random sampling to diversify the invasive forest undergrowth species. For vegetation survey, 45 plots were taken randomly in ($2m{\times}2m$) circular plot from three topographical regions namely top of the hill, middle slope and plain land (15 plots from each region) and a total of 715 individuals, 22 invasive species belonging to 17 families were recorded from the study site. Among invasive species, shrubs constitute 10 species, herbs 9 species, and vines 3 species respectively. Mass number of invasive undergrowth species was grows in plain land (45.45%) followed by middle slope (31.82%). Based on the survey, invasive undergrowth plants of study areas were also categorized into three degrees of invasiveness e.g., highly invasive, moderately invasive and potentially invasive. Herbs, shrubs, and vines constitute the highest density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. (1.09), relative density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. 6.85%; highest and lowest frequency was calculated at Cassia alata L. (64.44%) and Diplazium esculentum (24.44%); for relative frequency the highest was Cassia alata L., which occupies 6.64%. Determination of the abundance of the different species revealed that Cassia alata L., constitutes (3.36) followed by Pteris cretica Wilsonii (3.14) of the area. The presence of invasive undergrowth species always reduced the number of associated species. Therefore, an extensive in-depth long-term investigation, proper policy formulation and management interventions and further study and continuous monitoring on their impacts need to be triggered targeting the control of the invasive undergrowth species of this protected area. In this aspect, national and international organization could help to conserve its biodiversity.

Wild Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) Husbandry in the Rural Southern Region of Bangladesh: Production, Marketing and Potential Contribution to Rural Economy

Md. Habibur Rahman,Most. Jannatul Fardusi,Sawon Istiak Anik,Bishwajit Roy 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2011 Journal of Forest Science Vol.27 No.2

An exploratory study was conducted in Gopalganj, a southern district of Bangladesh to explore the role of wild date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) husbandry in the rural economy. A total of 36 households in the study area were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling method with 10% intensity and a semi-structured questionnaire were used for the study. Based on the land holding capacity of the households, the farmers were categorized into five groups as landless, marginal, small, medium, and large. The date palm was distributed over seven different habitats of which roadside support the highest value (31%) followed by agricultural field and orchard (25% each). Though the large category farmers own most of the palms (43%), a considerable portion (562 individuals out of 1980) of it is managed by the landless farmers, who earn a substantial livelihood from the palms. The farmers manage the palm mainly for juice production; juice is either used fresh as drink or after some sort of processing as molasses and/or alcoholic beverage. Date palm husbandry contributes 32,601 Tk., 21,107 Tk., 20,626 Tk., 29,574 Tk. and 35,335 Tk. respectively to the five group seasonally and 50,980 Tk., 77,556 Tk., 90,208 Tk., 112,560 Tk., 140,675 Tk. respectively annually (1 US$ = 70 Tk.). Date palm trees contribute 65.48% of mean annual income to landless farmers followed by 27.21% to marginal farmers. However the poor marketing system result in decreasing the annual return from palm trees. Palm husbandry could be a promising source of rural incomes in Bangladesh if the farmers’ traditional management knowledge was linked to more scientific management practices.

Wild Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) Husbandry in the Rural Southern Region of Bangladesh: Production, Marketing and Potential Contribution to Rural Economy

Rahman, Md. Habibur,Fardusi, Most. Jannatul,Anik, Sawon Istiak,Roy, Bishwajit Institute of Forest Science 2011 Journal of Forest Science Vol.27 No.2

An exploratory study was conducted in Gopalganj, a southern district of Bangladesh to explore the role of wild date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) husbandry in the rural economy. A total of 36 households in the study area were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling method with 10% intensity and a semi-structured questionnaire were used for the study. Based on the land holding capacity of the households, the farmers were categorized into five groups as landless, marginal, small, medium, and large. The date palm was distributed over seven different habitats of which roadside support the highest value (31%) followed by agricultural field and orchard (25% each). Though the large category farmers own most of the palms (43%), a considerable portion (562 individuals out of 1980) of it is managed by the landless farmers, who earn a substantial livelihood from the palms. The farmers manage the palm mainly for juice production; juice is either used fresh as drink or after some sort of processing as molasses and/or alcoholic beverage. Date palm husbandry contributes 32,601 Tk., 21,107 Tk., 20,626 Tk., 29,574 Tk. and 35,335 Tk. respectively to the five group seasonally and 50,980 Tk., 77,556 Tk., 90,208 Tk., 112,560 Tk., 140,675 Tk. respectively annually (1 US$ = 70 Tk.). Date palm trees contribute 65.48% of mean annual income to landless farmers followed by 27.21% to marginal farmers. However the poor marketing system result in decreasing the annual return from palm trees. Palm husbandry could be a promising source of rural incomes in Bangladesh if the farmers' traditional management knowledge was linked to more scientific management practices.

Present Status of Rooftop Gardening in Sylhet City Corporation of Bangladesh: an Assessment Based on Ecological and Economic Perspectives

Md. Habibur Rahman,Most. Jannatul Fardusi,Mizanur Rahman,Md. Mostafa Kamal,Md. Jasim Uddin,Bishwajit Roy 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2013 Journal of Forest Science Vol.29 No.1

Present study analyzes the rooftop gardening status, floristic composition and cost and return of the rooftop garden in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh. Data was collected from 450 rooftop gardeners randomly during July-September 2010. Study reveal that rooftop gardening is generally for mental satisfaction (95.3%) followed by leisure time activity (87.8%) in the study area and almost all the family members of gardeners’ were involved; while collection of planting materials, sites preparation and marketing of products were reported to be carried out by males only (male 71.33%). Middle income classes were most interested in rooftop gardening (43.78%). The survey recorded 53 plant species (35 families) of which Cucurbitaceae family represented highest eight species. Shrubs (28%) were highest followed by herbs (26%) among agri-crops (36%) and flower species (30%). About 89% of the rooftop gardeners procured planting materials from nursery, market, fair, neighbor, relative and friends and they mostly prefer to use seedlings (48%) for roof gardening followed by direct seed sowing (21%). Gardeners sell products sporadically in different local markets, directly or through intermediaries, with no uniform pricing for system. Rooftop gardening improves the food security and meet nutritional deficiency to the gardeners. Survey revealed that generally very few people consider rooftop gardening commercially to get profit and from the cost-return analysis this gardening system can be economically viable if proper and scientifically managed. The study conclude that active government and NGOs could play vital role to increasing this activities by providing training and motivate people with technical aspects of rooftop gardening.

Present Status of Rooftop Gardening in Sylhet City Corporation of Bangladesh: an Assessment Based on Ecological and Economic Perspectives

Rahman, Md. Habibur,Rahman, Mizanur,Kamal, Md. Mostafa,Uddin, Md. Jasim,Fardusi, Most. Jannatul,Roy, Bishwajit Institute of Forest Science 2013 Journal of Forest Science Vol.29 No.1

Present study analyzes the rooftop gardening status, floristic composition and cost and return of the rooftop garden in Sylhet City Corporation of northeastern Bangladesh. Data was collected from 450 rooftop gardeners randomly during July-September 2010. Study reveal that rooftop gardening is generally for mental satisfaction (95.3%) followed by leisure time activity (87.8%) in the study area and almost all the family members of gardeners' were involved; while collection of planting materials, sites preparation and marketing of products were reported to be carried out by males only (male 71.33%). Middle income classes were most interested in rooftop gardening (43.78%). The survey recorded 53 plant species (35 families) of which Cucurbitaceae family represented highest eight species. Shrubs (28%) were highest followed by herbs (26%) among agri-crops (36%) and flower species (30%). About 89% of the rooftop gardeners procured planting materials from nursery, market, fair, neighbor, relative and friends and they mostly prefer to use seedlings (48%) for roof gardening followed by direct seed sowing (21%). Gardeners sell products sporadically in different local markets, directly or through intermediaries, with no uniform pricing for system. Rooftop gardening improves the food security and meet nutritional deficiency to the gardeners. Survey revealed that generally very few people consider rooftop gardening commercially to get profit and from the cost-return analysis this gardening system can be economically viable if proper and scientifically managed. The study conclude that active government and NGOs could play vital role to increasing this activities by providing training and motivate people with technical aspects of rooftop gardening.