IFLA-APR & Bangladesh Landscape Architecture Initiative – Progress Report

Ongoing Collaborative Discussions (January – June 2025)

(Photos from IFLA APR members)

Under the leadership of Chris Tidswell (IFLA-APR President) and Bruno Marques (IFLA World President), and led on the ground by IFLA-APR Landscape Without Borders Chair Norman June Brito, a series of meetings with volunteer representatives from Bangladesh has laid the groundwork for Bangladesh’s entry into IFLA and the formation of a national landscape architects’ association.

Introduction and Background

IFLA Asia-Pacific Region (IFLA-APR), in collaboration with IFLA World, has been working closely with a team of volunteer landscape architects from Bangladesh to facilitate the country’s joining of IFLA as a national member and the establishment of a professional body for landscape architects in Bangladesh.

A series of four virtual meetings (January to June 2025) brought together IFLA leadership and Bangladeshi representatives to discuss strategic steps for establishing a formal landscape architecture association in Bangladesh. These discussions are highly collaborative, involving international guidance and local expertise, and are anchored in a strategic roadmap that addresses organizational formation, educational development, and stakeholder engagement.

(Photos from IFLA APR members)

Key Outcomes of Meetings

Jan 30, 2025

(Introductory)

Consensus to form a national association for landscape architects in Bangladesh. Identified need for at least 15 founding members to register officially. Emphasized developing formal landscape architecture education programs in local universities (with IFLA support for curriculum) and set the stage for regular follow-ups.

Mar 3, 2025

(Follow-up)

Evaluated pathways for professional body formation: whether to integrate with the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) or establish an independent institute. Hybrid approach adopted – pursue recognition under IAB while laying groundwork for an independent society. Agreed to involve key academic leaders and to create a communication network (WhatsApp task force) uniting local and diaspora members for coordination.

May 20, 2025

(Follow-up)

Engaged IAB and academic institutions in dialogue. Dual strategy confirmed: proceed with IAB affiliation (e.g. forming a landscape architecture chapter under IAB) and simultaneous independent registration of a new landscape architects’ institute. Delegated tasks to volunteer leaders: e.g. liaise with IAB for interim recognition, formalize the volunteer group (draft constitution and membership list), and gather support from at least seven charter members as required by law. IFLA-APR to provide sample constitutions, bylaws, and education accreditation guidelines to aid this effort.

June 24, 2025

(Follow-up)

Noted positive support from IAB for a dedicated landscape body under its umbrella with autonomy. Defined the proposed association’s structure (including having co-chairs in Bangladesh and abroad to strengthen international links). Initiated drafting of a constitution and governance framework for the new association. Adopted a phased membership strategy – a preliminary two-year period for member registration without examination to build membership (in line with international models). Launched visibility efforts: development of a dedicated website and plans for social media to raise awareness. Began compiling a country-specific landscape practice code with IFLA’s guidance (drawing on examples from other countries). Agreed to continue close coordination with IFLA’s Education & Academic Affairs Committee to support curriculum development in Bangladeshi universities.

Global–Local Partnership

The initiative is a joint effort between IFLA-APR, IFLA World, and Bangladeshi landscape architects. International leaders provide guidance and advocacy, while local volunteers and academics drive on-the-ground planning.

Strategic Roadmap

Discussions have produced a clear roadmap: from securing interim support via IAB, to drafting a constitution and bylaws, establishing membership criteria, and developing educational and professional standards tailored to Bangladesh.

Capacity Building

Beyond forming an association, the collaboration focuses on long-term capacity building—introducing accredited landscape architecture programs in universities, creating practice guidelines, and integrating Bangladesh into IFLA’s global network of professionals.

(Photos from IFLA APR members)

Throughout these meetings, the collaborative nature of the project has been evident. IFLA-APR and IFLA World leaders — including the Presidents of each federation — worked hand-in-hand with Bangladeshi professionals, ensuring the initiative aligns with international standards and local needs.

The involvement of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and multiple universities helped root the strategic planning in local context, increasing feasibility and inclusivity.

Short-term actions...

... include building a founding member base, seeking interim affiliation with IAB, and elevating the profession’s profile through tools such as the upcoming website.

Long-term goals...

... focus on establishing an autonomous professional society that can set standards, advocate nationally, and liaise with the government — supported by IFLA’s global recognition.

Next Steps and Way Forward

Each meeting concluded with clear next steps, underlining the strategic continuity of the initiative. Action plans were assigned to various participants, such as engaging with IAB leadership, drafting the association’s constitution, compiling member credentials, and preparing outreach materials.

Going forward, the task force aims to finalize the association’s legal registration and governance structure in the coming months. The next virtual meeting (planned for late July 2025) will review the drafted constitution, membership roster, and progress on the website and landscape practice code.

IFLA-APR’s leadership has also encouraged Bangladeshi representatives to showcase this developing body at the IFLA-APR Regional Congress in November 2025, further integrating Bangladesh into the regional professional community.

In summary: The IFLA-APR/IFLA World–Bangladesh collaboration has made remarkable strides in a short period. Through well-structured discussions, it has built a unified vision for a Bangladesh Institute of Landscape Architects, combining global best practices with local initiative. Bangladesh’s journey to IFLA membership is now well underway, backed by committed volunteers, supportive institutions, and the steadfast guidance of the IFLA community.