KHULNA. July 6: Environment and Forest Minister Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury today stressed the need for integrated programmes to protect and de-velop the Sundarbans mangrove forest, and for bio-dlver-conservation there, reports

The minister was speaking at a workshop on Bio diversity in conservation in the Sundarbans.' organised Jointly by the Forest Department and Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the Zia Public Hall here.

The minister said the government has planned a massive development programme for the conservation and development of the Sundarbans in cooperation with local and foreign experts. She said laws suiting the present day need are being formulated for the protection of forestry resources, and a plan is under consideration to form forest workers’ teafns for protection and preservation of those resources.

The minister said the Sundarbans play a very Important role in maintaining ecological balance, he environment and offering employment opportunities to a large number of peo-S. She also said that there Is a ’

g prospect of developing tour. . there, which could earn huge amount of foreign exchange for the country.

She called for creating awareness among the people to plant trees not only for protection against environmental pollution but also for earning revenue as well as providing employment opportunities.

Presided over by Joint Secretary of the Forest Ministry K M Ehsanul Huq. the workshop was addressed, among others, by ' muphol, ADB represen -tati., Chief Conservator of Forest A Z M Shamsul Huda and Khulna Divisional Commissioner S M Shamsul Alam.