Knowing Native Plants: Landscape, Ecology and Biodiversity | Summer 2026

Fri 26 Jun - Tue 7 Jul' 26

This workshop explores the relationship between native plants, ecology, landscape design, and cultural memory in Bangladesh. Through discussions, live plant observations, garden sessions, and ecological storytelling, participants will learn how to identify local trees, shrubs, aquatic plants, and climbers while understanding their role in biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable landscape practice. This workshop is open to all.

Faculty: Didarul Alam (landscape practitioner and plant expert)

Goals and Objectives

The workshop aims to help participants develop an understanding of native plant species of Bangladesh and their ecological roles; build skills in identifying trees, shrubs, aquatic plants, and climbers in the field; explore the relationship between landscape design and biodiversity conservation; engage with ecological storytelling as a method of reconnecting people to place and nature; and develop a foundation for sustainable and ecologically responsible landscape practice.

Through hands-on garden sessions, live plant observations, field discussions, and guided studio time, participants will gain both practical skills and a conceptual framework for working with native plants in landscape and design contexts.

Activities will include guided garden walks, live plant observation and identification exercises, ecological storytelling sessions, group discussions, and presentations of participants’ observations and reflections.

Important Information

1. Date: June 26 – July 7, 2026
Total: Six sessions (Fridays and Saturdays included)

2. Venue: Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements, Dhaka, along with a few field visits

3. Workshop Fee*:
Regular participants: 10,000 BDT
Students: 7,000 BDT (Valid student ID required)
*Please note, this special workshop has a few field visits outside Dhaka, and the field visits and refreshment costs are excluded from the workshop fee. Depending on transport and other related expenses, participants might incur additional costs.

4. Important Dates:
The application starts: May 19, 2026
Application Deadline: June 8, 2026
Selection Announcement: June 9, 2026
Payment Deadline: June 23, 2026

5. Application Requirements:
Graduates from any discipline with an interest in nature, ecology, landscape, or design. Final-year students of architecture, landscape, environmental science, or any related discipline. Professionals and practitioners interested in native plants, biodiversity, and sustainable design

Payment Information

Selected participants must complete their payment by June 23, 2026.

Payment Link: bengal.portwallet.com/subscription/

How to Apply

To apply for the workshop, please fill out the application form:

https://forms.gle/9FuP38pkMeFmhKdeA

For any queries, please contact:

[email protected]

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About the Faculty

Didarul Alam is a landscape practitioner and founder of Aesthetic Form, a landscape-based studio working with greenery, ecological planting, hardscape, micro-irrigation, and customized pottery. His work focuses on reconnecting people with nature through native plants, biodiversity-conscious landscape design, and hands-on ecological learning. He regularly works with farmers, students, young entrepreneurs, and communities to promote natural living, sustainable food systems, and environmentally responsible design practices.

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Image Release Waiver

By participating in this workshop, participants consent to allow the Bengal Institute to use photographs and videos taken during the event for publicity purposes, including print materials, the Bengal Institute’s website, and its social media platforms. Photographs and videos remain the property of the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements.

Release of Liability

By participating in the “Knowing Native Plants: Landscape, Ecology and Biodiversity” workshop by the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements, participants release the Institute, its elected officials, officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, affiliates and all others acting on its behalf from any claims, actions, causes of action, and complaints of any kind which they have or may in the future have, whether known or unknown, arising out of or relating to their participation in the “Knowing Native Plants: Landscape, Ecology and Biodiversity” workshop on June 28 – July 9, 2026.

Additional Information

Terms and Conditions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WpCl9gGotbHMLOb7gdVPjvAnz2oGVfplPIbVlLSGW_Y/edit?usp=sharing

IP Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12wZhRByvRpQKNgZ2ShqzR1c8leKJeiTmOqoohSDw-0M/edit?usp=sharing