MONGLA, Sept 15 (V7N) — Tree saplings have been distributed among students in Mongla as part of an initiative to create a green belt along the coastal area and help combat the impacts of climate change.
The saplings were distributed among students of Chandpai Mesher Shah Secondary School on Monday morning. The initiative was jointly organized by Dharitri Rokkha Amra (DHORA), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Pashur River Waterkeeper and Asha-Hoffnung, with the school’s Planetiers Club supporting the implementation of the programme.
Held under the slogan “Plant Trees, Build a Green Bangladesh,” the programme aims to promote tree planting and strengthen a green belt across the coastal region.
The inaugural event was chaired by Swadesh Mondal, head teacher of Chandpai Mesher Shah Secondary School. Environmental activist Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, a central leader of DHORA and Pashur River Waterkeeper, was the chief guest.
Among others, Assistant Head Teacher Asit Gupta, senior teacher Uttam Mondal, Brajen Roy, Sheikh Shakib Hossain, environmental activist Mehedi Hasan and Aishi Karim, captain of the school’s Planetiers Club, addressed the programme.
In his speech, Nur Alam Sheikh said the Sundarbans once covered an area of 19,509 square kilometres but its area had declined by about half due to human activities that have contributed to forest destruction.
“We must stand against all activities that destroy forests. We are placing importance on protecting and expanding mangrove forests as a natural protective barrier for the coast and as an important measure to address climate change,” he said.
In his remarks, Head Teacher Swadesh Mondal welcomed the initiative, saying the distribution of saplings among students was in line with the government’s “One Child, One Tree” programme.
He said trees play a vital role in human life by supplying oxygen to the atmosphere and absorbing carbon dioxide released by people.
More than 300 students received tree saplings under the programme.
The organizers said students who successfully nurture and grow the saplings they received will be recognized and rewarded by DHORA and Waterkeepers Bangladesh at the end of the year.
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