Papers by Mohammed Jashimuddin
Journal of Soil, Plant and Environment, 2025
Litter decomposition plays a vital role in nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem functionali... more Litter decomposition plays a vital role in nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem functionality, particularly in forested landscapes. However, the decomposition dynamics of common tropical timber species remain underexplored in many regions, including Bangladesh. This study investigated the leaf litter decomposition and associated nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) release patterns of five widely planted timber species, Chukrasia tabularis, Dipterocarpus turbinatus, Hopea odorata, Tectona grandis, and Swietenia macrophylla on the Chittagong University campus. Using the litter bag method, decomposition rates were measured across both dry and wet seasons to assess seasonal variability and environmental influences. The results revealed that Chukrasia tabularis exhibited the highest mass loss (33% in the dry season and 60% in the wet season), followed by Hopea odorata (38% and 55%), while Tectona grandis showed the lowest decomposition rates (23% and 25%). Decomposition was most rapid in Hopea odorata during the dry season (0.57 g/month) and Dipterocarpus turbinatus in the wet season (0.89 g/month). In the wet season, decomposition rates were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with temperature and precipitation across all species. In contrast, during the dry season, only Tectona grandis and Hopea odorata showed significant correlations with temperature, while only Chukrasia tabularis and Hopea odorata were significantly influenced by precipitation. Nutrient release patterns varied by species and nutrient type: nitrogen release was highest in Chukrasia tabularis (26.89 mg/g), phosphorus in Hopea odorata (16.53 mg/g), and potassium in Dipterocarpus turbinatus (53.53 mg/g), whereas Swietenia macrophylla consistently showed the lowest nutrient release rates. These findings highlight species-specific and seasonal variations in litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics, offering insights for forest management, species selection, and ecosystem nutrient budgeting in tropical forest plantations.
Asian journal of forestry, Oct 2, 2022
Co-management of forest protected areas (PA) has started its journey in Bangladesh, intending to ... more Co-management of forest protected areas (PA) has started its journey in Bangladesh, intending to conserve forest resources by creating alternative incomegenerating activities for forest-dependent people. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of co-management initiatives in improving socioeconomic status and reducing peoples' forest dependency at Dudpukuria-Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary (DDWS), Bangladesh. A total of 142 respondents consisting of 71 co-management project-supported people (treatment) and 71 local people (control) with similar socioeconomic conditions without any project support, were surveyed randomly through a semi-structured questionnaire. The Difference in Differences (DiD) method was applied to assess the effectiveness of this program. Results revealed that there was an insignificant difference between co-management participants and non-participants in the case of total income. Both parties also observed a similar trend for total forest resource extraction. However, the monthly income of co-management participants from secondary occupations increased by USD 16.46. In contrast, the monthly fuel wood extraction of the co-management participants was reduced, equivalent to USD 2.21. The studied socioeconomic parameters were more or less similar for both parties. We conclude that the co-management interventions in DDWS resulted from insignificant differences in terms of socioeconomic conditions and forest dependency of local forest-dependent communities.
The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space Science, Apr 1, 2018
The degraded Chunati wildlife sanctuary (CWS) has undergone various land use changes since 1980s.... more The degraded Chunati wildlife sanctuary (CWS) has undergone various land use changes since 1980s. In this study, land use changes of CWS were assessed from 2005 to 2015 by using Landsat TM and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS images. The ArcGIS v10.1 and ERDAS Imagine v14 were used to process satellite imageries and assessed quantitative data for land use change assessment of this study area. Maximum likelihood classification algorithm was used in order to derive supervised land use classification. It was found that about 256 ha of degraded forest area had been increased within 10 years (2005-2015) and the annual rate of change was 25.56%. Another 159 ha of naturally forested land had been changed to other land uses having an (À) annual rate of change of 15.88%. The overall supervised classification accuracy was found 92.16% for 2015, 86.15% for 2010, and 83.96% for 2005 with Kappa values of 0.89, 0.82, and 0.81 for 2015, 2010, and 2005, respectively and these were fairly satisfactory. The results of this study would be helpful to plan and implement important management decisions in order to conserve the rich biodiversity of Chunati wildlife sanctuary.
Co-management of Protected Areas (PA): A Paradigm Shift in PA Management
World forests, 2016
Since 2004, initially the Nishorgo Support Project (NSP) and later Integrated Protected Area Co-m... more Since 2004, initially the Nishorgo Support Project (NSP) and later Integrated Protected Area Co-management (IPAC) project in collaboration with Bangladesh forest department (FD) have been implementing protected areas (PA) co-management in Bangladesh that aimed to protect rapidly deteriorating forest biodiversity of the country. Drawing on data from the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), in this chapter we examined peoples’ dependency on forest resources of CWS, forest health conditions, functions of co-management structure at local level, and impact on forest conservation. Household and forest trail surveys show that local people are heavily dependent on CWS’s forests for own use and income. Local people clear forestland for betel leaf cultivation, sungrass production, and other agricultural practices. Forest vegetation survey recorded 93 tree species with a density of 239 trees/ha of which seven (07) exotic species contributed 60 %. Nearly 90 % trees belong to 5–15 cm dbh (diameter at breast height) producing a minimum biomass of 33.3 tree/ha. We observed a four-tier co-management governance structure at local level consisted of village conservation forums (VCF), peoples’ forums (PF), community patrol groups (CPG), and co-management committee (CMC) with each component having their own functions. We found a lack of coordination among local-level co-management structure, NSP, IPAC, and FD. Although CMC was empowered by a government order to perform PA management-related functions, NSP or IPAC took all managerial decisions. In official documents, there was existence of VCF, but we noticed no activities during baseline survey although later on they were involved in GIZ project. The gap between promises and actual provisions had created distrust between CPG and others (CMC, NSP, IPAC, and FD). However, CPG’s continuous patrolling reduced the incidence of illegal logging and the CWS is regaining its old forest growth. We recommend several policy implications for reducing misunderstandings among stakeholders and to ensure sustainability of PA co-management in CWS.
World forests, 2016
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
Sustainable Cities and Society, Feb 1, 2017
The Chittagong University journal of science, Jun 22, 2021
Climate change is taking place at a horrifying rate due to the increasing concentration of CO 2 i... more Climate change is taking place at a horrifying rate due to the increasing concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere. REDD+ has been considered as a low-cost approach to reducing atmospheric carbon. A study on measurements of tree carbon through a participatory approach was conducted in Komolchari Village Common Forest (VCF) of Khagrachari under the Chittagong Hill Tracts to examine the contribution of local participants in the measurement of tree carbon. From the study, it was estimated that total tree biomass density measured by the forestry experts and the local participants were 147.40±31.26 tha-1 and 135.95±27.54 tha-1 , respectively, where total carbon density for trees was 73.70±15.63 tha-1 and 67.98±13.77 tha-1 , respectively. Furthermore, in the case of saplings, the estimated total biomass density measured by the forestry experts and the local participants were 33.63±3.50 tha-1 and 32.41±3.09 tha-1 , respectively, where estimated total carbon density for saplings was 16.82±1.75 tha-1 and 16.21±1.55 tha-1 , respectively. From all of the findings, it was observed that a participatory approach was successfully conducted in the study area to collect data on the measurement of tree carbon. The study will help bring the profit in the carbon trade by reducing transaction costs in the case of collecting data on tree carbon measurement. The findings of the study can be useful for REDD+ implementation in Bangladesh.
Household-level cooking stove emissions, perceptions and influencing factors: Lessons learned from Rangunia Upazila, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Current research in environmental sustainability, 2022
Geology, ecology, and landscapes, Dec 13, 2018
This study evaluates land-use/cover change (LULCC) and urban expansion in Hathazari Upazila, Chit... more This study evaluates land-use/cover change (LULCC) and urban expansion in Hathazari Upazila, Chittagong, between 1977 and 2017 using satellite images. Spatial and temporal dynamics of LULCC was quantified using three Landsat images, a supervised classification algorithm, and the post-classification change detection technique through geographic information system. The overall supervised classification accuracy of the Landsat-derived land-use /cover maps ranged from 74% to 91%. The analysis revealed substantial growth of settlement (146%) and agricultural land (124%) in Hathazari Upazila, Chittagong, over the study period which resulted in significant decrease in the area of water bodies (68.9%), homestead (54.4%), and hill forest (43.3%). The research quantified the patterns of LULCC for the last 40 years for Hathazari Upazila, Chittagong, that might contribute to both development of sustainable urban land-use planning decisions and probable growth patterns.
Journal of civil engineering and environmental sciences, Dec 20, 2016
Geoinformatics approach is increasingly used to monitor land use change as well as forest fragmen... more Geoinformatics approach is increasingly used to monitor land use change as well as forest fragmentation due to availability of Landsat satellite data. In Bangladesh many initiatives have been taken to prepare land use maps but forest fragmentation modelling is quite new. In this research, geoinformatics approach is thoroughly used to determine land use changes of Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary from 2005 to 2015. Three time frame data sets i.e. 2005, 2010 and 2015 were used for assessing forest fragmentation. Forest intactness is measured by the proportion of four spatial patterns i.e. core, perforated, edge and patches. Previously tree cover and density was considered as the yardstick to measure forest health and ecosystem but recent studies regarding forest fragmentation have uncovered many harmful impacts of it. However, in this research authors observed 26.44% decrease in forest cover, 37.56% decrease in water bodies and 56.05% increase in cropland, 42.52% increase in barren lands, 69.01% increase in afforested area in between 2005 and 2010. Overall condition was leading to substantial forest fragmentation. Due to initiation of restoration activities positive results have come out which are 18.86% and 38.01% decrease in cropland and barren land respectively accompanied by 58.92% increase in forest between 2010 and 2015. As forest fragmentation is highly correlated with conversion of forest into non forest uses, core areas and perforated areas signifi cantly reduced to 503 hectares and 1212 hectares respectively in between 2005 and 2010, associated with a slight increase of 343 hectare edged area forest whereas overall forest cover reduced signifi cantly. Later, positive changes result 503 hectare increase in core areas along with 762 hectares decrease in patched forest from 2010 to 2015 which is surely a good sign.
Effect of shifting cultivation on soil physical and chemical properties in Bandarban hill district, Bangladesh
Journal of Forestry Research, May 7, 2013
Trees, forests and people, Dec 1, 2021
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Community-Based Forest Management
Status of birol sal forest in northwestern Bangladesh
Time and production studies in some private sawmills of Chittagong District
Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a shade tolerant plant suited to climatic conditions fo... more Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a shade tolerant plant suited to climatic conditions found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh and which is intrinsically linked to the culture and traditions of indigenous communities who live in the region. This study, carried out in two villages in the CHT, examined cultivation techniques, productivity, contribution to household income and its role in supporting resilience to climate change. The study adopted a participatory rural appraisal approach; data was collected through focus group discussions, structured interviews and field observation. Sixty five per cent of farmers in the two villages cultivate spiny coriander; the mean plot size was 0.12 ha. The cropping cycle starts in January and continues until October. Production averaged 59, 219 kg per hectare with a net benefit of about US$51,212/ha/yr. Eighty six percent of farmers who cultivate the crop do so solely for the purposes of income generation. Good market demand for the crop means that farmers obtain substantial economic benefit from its cultivation. It also has the potential to build the climate change resilience of marginal farmers. The findings suggest that policies to support the development of this crop have the potential to enhance marginal farmers' financial capability and climate resilience.
Toward Sustainability of Community-Based Forest Management
World forests, 2016
This chapter illustrates a comparative scenario of four CBFM interventions in terms of socioecono... more This chapter illustrates a comparative scenario of four CBFM interventions in terms of socioeconomy, forest attributes , and legal, social, management, and resource system-related characteristics. Socioeconomic attributes reveal that villagers in respective area depend on forest resources (fuelwood, bamboo, timber, leaves, sungrass, vegetable) for cooking energy, house construction materials, food, and household income. Both VCF and Chunati PA are rich in plant species composition (consisting of more than 90 species), but tree density is highest in Betagi–Pomra CF (1164 trees/ha). Individual land ownership in Betagi–Pomra CF encouraged villagers to plant fast-growing and high-yielding tree species. Individual ownership , users’ management rights, well-defined boundary , small resource system , and social equality ensure relatively more sustainable management of forests in Betagi–Pomra CF, VCF, and AF projects than that of Chunati PA. Some policy implications are suggested for sustainability of various CBFM approaches, and recommendations are made to incorporate REDD+ schemes , introducing mutual rotating fund and collaboration of corporate agencies in CBFM.
Betagi–Pomra Community Forestry (CF): 35 Years of Pioneer CBFM in Bangladesh
World forests, 2016
It is about 35 years that the Betagi–Pomra CF had been implemented. In this chapter, we investiga... more It is about 35 years that the Betagi–Pomra CF had been implemented. In this chapter, we investigated the impact of Betagi–Pomra CF on livelihoods of participants by employing DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework. Respondents were asked to recall and provide data at the beginning of the project (hereafter BP) and at the time of interview, at present (hereafter AP). A SWOT analysis was conducted, through group discussion, to explore the possible impacts of five livelihood capitals if we suppose to introduce REDD+ activities in these sites. Analysis of BP and AP data shows significant positive changes in all livelihood capitals due to the CF activities. The degraded forests have now been converted into plantations. One of the potential threats that might jeopardize the goals of CF in the project sites is the continuous fragmentation of land. Fragmentation of allocated CF plots due to population growth and division of family seems a serious menace for the sustainability of CF. Regular monitoring by the FD staff members and, if necessary, review of agreement might be helpful to prevent land fragmentation.
Introduction, Aims, and Outline
World forests, 2016
This chapter presents the background of the inception of community-based forest management (CBFM)... more This chapter presents the background of the inception of community-based forest management (CBFM) in tropical countries, and in particular Bangladesh. It also sets the aim(s) of this book. The CBFM programs have been promoted in many countries as an innovative and potential approach to improved forest management and conservation strategies with a comprehensive blend of ecological and socioeconomic objectives. Many countries have now developed, or are in the process of developing, changes to national policies and legislation that institutionalize the CBFM. The government of Bangladesh has also put emphasize on the CBFM since the early 1980s and a number of forestry projects have been implemented with the participation of local community having both success and failure in intended project outcomes. In this book, we aim to shed light on evolution of the CBFM in Bangladesh and critically evaluate the performance of various CBFM practices. Stress is given on how to sustain the CBFM and integrate these into (i) carbon forestry projects (e.g., REDD+) for meeting the triple benefits of forest management: poverty reduction, forest conservation, and climate change mitigation; (ii) mutual rotating fund for creating alternative income generation opportunities so that dependency on forests is reduced and (iii) corporate social responsibility activities of corporate agencies so that they provide funding for environmental conservation and social development. These strategies might facilitate sustainability of CBFM in Bangladesh. So far our knowledge goes, there is no such book publication available in Bangladesh. Therefore, we believe that this publication would fill this gap and be useful for scholars, policy makers, and students as a reference book.
Journal of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Feb 10, 2015
The study was conducted to analyze the solid waste recycling at Sholokbahar Ward of Chittagong Ci... more The study was conducted to analyze the solid waste recycling at Sholokbahar Ward of Chittagong City Corporation. Data were collected from primary waste collectors, i.e.Tokai, Feriwala, and Women waste collectors, waste dealers and different recycling plants through questionnaire survey and frequent field visits. The study found that the average amount of collected recyclable solid wastes was 121.37 kg/day in each solid waste recycling shop while waste picker was about 16 kg/day. Interestingly, the amount of average collected solid waste per day by Feriwala was significantly higher than Tokai and women waste pickers. Among of recyclable solid waste about 37% was scrap iron while only 16% was plastic bottle. The study also found that solid waste pickers generally collect wastes on foot while, among Feriwala only 23% use tricycle to collect wastes from door to door. We estimated that, by collecting recyclable solid wastes, each male and female waste picker earn, on an average, Tk. 80 and Tk.53 per day respectively. Finally, this study suggests that both governmental and non-governmental initiatives for solid waste recycling at Sholokbahar area can play a vital role to contribute our national economy, employment opportunities and environmental protection.
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Papers by Mohammed Jashimuddin