Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development

Md. Abul Bashar Polas

Mr. Polas is a specialist researcher in Social-Ecological Systems (SES) and sustainable land use management. With a strong educational background in environmental sciences and agricultural economics, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of complex challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective. Previously, Polas participated in a research and exchange program entitled ‘Remapping Global South ‘organized by Global South Studies Centre, University of Cologne. Besides his research and education, he volunteered at UNFCCC-world climate conference (COP23). His research interests are centered around human-animal-environment interactions, public health, landscape resilience, social-ecological interactions, nature-based solutions, and sustainability. Additionally, he is committed to driving impactful change in environmental practices and policies, ensuring that vulnerable landscapes and communities are prioritized in decision-making processes. Currently, he is working as a Research Associate in WeAreOne project at the University of Göttingen, Germany.

Profile on Researchgate





Professional positions:

  • Since 07/2025: Research Associate, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, University of Göttingen, Germany

  • 10/2021-06/2025: Doctoral Researcher, Social Ecological Interactions in Agricultural Systems, University of Kassel, Germany

  • 09/2024-09/2024: Student Reporter – ATSAF e.V. Stuttgart, Germany, Reporting in Tropentag 2024 conference in Vienna, Austria

  • 10/2018-12/2018: Research Scholar – Global South Studies Center (GSSC), University of Cologne, Germany


Education:

  • 2019: International Master of Environmental Sciences, University of Cologne, Germany

  • 2013: Master of Science in Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh

  • 2011: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh




Selected Publications:

  • Heindorf, C., Altmann, B., Varela, E., Zafra-calvo, N., Capano, G. C., Kmoch, L. M., Flinzberger, L., Camporese, M. C., Polas, A. B., Guo, T., & Plieninger, T. (2025). Animal board invited review: A biocultural perspective of animal farming systems in Europe. Animal The international journal of animal biosciences, 19(6), 101515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2025.101515

  • Polas, A. B., Ahammad, R., Topp, E., & Plieninger, T. (2025). Participatory mapping of degradation and restoration processes in the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem. Forest Policy and Economics, 173, 103460 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103460.

  • Polas, A. B., Topp, E., & Plieninger, T. (2024). Mapping landscape values and exploring sense of place in a threatened mangrove biodiversity hotspot: the Sundarbans delta, Bangladesh. Ecosystems and People, 20 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2024.2370531.