To ensure the sustainable use of forest resources, the active engagement of co-management committees (CMCs) is a must, the experts said Thursday.

They were speaking at a meeting organised by the Arannayk Foundation at its head office in the capital and local office in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya, marking Forest Co-Management Day.

The forest department observes March 23 as Forest Co-Management Day when Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary Community Patrolling Group (CPG) Team member Rafiqul Islam was killed in 2008 while guarding the forest.

Md Imran Ahmed, conservator of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle, said: "Along with the government, local communities must work for safeguarding the forests."

"Biodiversity is often affected by the livelihood activities of people who depend on forests for a living. So, the CPGs will have to be more active in ensuring the co-existence of the human and wildlife population."

Mohd Abdul Quddus, senior advisor of the Arannayk Foundation, called for allocating government funds and private sector CSR finances to the CMCs to attain stable financial capacities.

A permanent allowance structure and rewarding the best CPG members will also motivate local people to work for protecting forests, he added.

Other speakers at the meeting said, ensuring reliable financing for CMCs will be easier if half of the revenue earned from tourism can be shared with all CMCs following the Protected Area Rules 2017.

Currently, 28 CMCs are active in 22 protected areas.