Overview

The Department of Forestry and Environmental Science (FES) was established in 1998, and housed in the School of Agriculture and Mineral Sciences at SUST. The department's ambitious goal is to provide its graduates with the knowledge and abilities needed to assume challenging and exciting roles in the management of forests and natural resources, both inside and outside of the country. A range of dedicated and experienced faculty members and students from a variety of backgrounds are constantly in pursuit of searching for and producing new knowledge in the fields of forestry and environmental science. ## The FES department currently offers two MSc degrees in forestry, MSc (General) and MSc (Thesis), as well as a four-year BSc (Hons.) program. The department typically produces 30 postgraduates and 50 graduates annually. Graduates of FES are finding work in a variety of domestic and international government and non-governmental organizations in the domains of governance, livelihood and biodiversity conservation, forest and environmental management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. ## The Department of FES provides ample opportunities to the students and faculties for education and research. The department is currently equipped with laboratory facilities in several relevant fields of research including plant genetics and biotechnology, remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS), forest ecology and management, and plant nursing in the nursery. ## Utilizing the existing laboratory facilities, students and faculties are engaged in a wide number of research activities to understand contemporary issues in these areas including (but not limited to) climate change, plant genetics and biotechnology, forest soil, plant pathology, ecosystem service valuation, disturbance ecology, ecological economics, wood anatomy, tropical dendroclimatology, bio-fertilizer, and environmental management. These issues in hand have both local and international significance in facing the challenges of environmental security in the context of global climate change. ## The research outcomes are regularly published in reputed national and international peer-reviewed journals. Apart from regular academic activities, the department arranges technical seminars, thematic presentations, field trips, and national and international forest and environment-related days and events. ## The department regularly receives research funding from many national and international organizations. The ongoing researches are funded by national bodies like the ministries and SUST research center, and international agencies including SANDEE, Rufford, IFS, and DFG. The department has some collaborative and exchange research programs with Glasgow University, Oxfam Foundation, FAO, IUCN, and the state-owned Bangladesh Forest Department (FD). ## 2. Vision: To be a globally recognized hub of excellence in forestry and environmental science education, research, and outreach, driving positive change for the sustainable management and conservation of forests and natural resources in Bangladesh and the world. ## Mission: 1. Enrich students with rigorous academic programs and experiential learning opportunities that foster a deep understanding of forestry and environmental principles, preparing them to address complex forest and environmental challenges. ++ 2. Conduct cutting-edge research to advance knowledge and innovation in forestry and environmental science, contributing to evidence-based solutions for forest and environmental sustainability. ++ 3. Engage with communities, government agencies, and stakeholders to promote environmental awareness, advocate for conservation policies, and collaborate on initiatives that enhance the resilience and well-being of forests, ecosystems, and local communities. ++ 4. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships both nationally and internationally to integrate diverse perspectives and expertise in addressing pressing environmental issues, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable development. ++ 5. Cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship and responsibility among students, faculty, and staff through immersive learning experiences, ethical leadership development, and active participation in environmental conservation initiatives, nurturing a lifelong commitment to preserving forests and nature.