An integrated national forest monitoring system for sustainable forest management and conservation in Bangladesh

Launched in 2018, the Bangladesh Forest Information System (BFIS) is the country’s first national system to assess, monitor, document, plan and implement forest management and conservation activities. The system is a source of consistent up-to-date forest information, and as it is web-based, making data sharing and management easy. BFIS is helping the country monitor its efforts to meet global targets and adhere to international agreement, including the Sustainable Development Goals, Country Investment Plan, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). While the system has faced challenges due to limited financial resources and trained personnel, the production of modules has made the BFIS more user friendly and technical training has enhanced the ability of officials to manage forest databases, and trainings have boosted the inclusion of women in the field.