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Ecopark a recreational park established in any natural habitat that does not disturb or affect biodiversity or the community of that area. The concept of ecopark is of recent origin. The objective of establishment of an ecopark is for the recreation of visiting people from home and abroad, as well as creating a centre for the dissemination of knowledge to people of all age groups about the habits and habitats of the plant and animal populations living there, and at the same time creating awareness about the need of conservation of biodiversity. Such ecoparks have been established in different countries in recent years to attract people for tourism, education, and research. Recently, Bangladesh Government has taken initiative to establish ecoparks at different places of the country. The first ecopark has been inaugurated at Chandranath Hill and surrounding areas, located in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong. This project was initiated in 1999-2000 and is expected to be completed by the year 2004. The place is rich with tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest flora and herbs, shrubs, creepers and climbers of diversified habits. Some threatened plant species have been reported from this place and surrounding area. Of these, three natural Gymnospermous tree species, namely, Podocarpous nerifolia, and species of Gnetum and Cycas grow in the hills and nearby hilly streams. In the vicinity of the Chandranath hill is the famous temple of the Hindu Community. There is a hot water fountain near the hill. From the hilltop, part of the coast of the bay of bengal can be seen. Two other ecoparks are to be established in the Madhabkunda and Muraichara forest areas located respectively in Kulaura and Baralekha upazilas of Maulvi Bazar district. These locations are rich with natural evergreen and semi-evergreen tree species along with plantation forests. According to reports from forest department sources, Madhabkunda Ecopark will cover an area of 654.42 acres of land including about 400 acres of reserve forest. A section of khasia tribe lives in the forest villages of this area and is engaged in some agro-economic activities in the forestland. People of this tribal community traditionally grow betel vine, betel nut, cashew nut, pineapple, lemon, etc for their livelihood. A natural waterfall is also located in this area.
A Safari park is being developed since 1998-99 in the
Dulahazra forest area of Cox's Bazar district. To retain the natural beauty
and conserve biodiversity in and around Sitapahar forest area, near the
famous hydroelectric dam of Kaptai, another National Park similar
to that of the Madhupur Sal forest is being developed since 1999. Another
ecopark site is being developed in the Sameshchura Sal forest of Sherpur
district. Recently, the Government of Bangladesh has started developing
st martin's
island as an ecopark with an aim to promote tourism. [Abul
Khair] |
