As every year, the private-sector tree-planting programme "Bonayon" has begun distributing 50 lakh saplings around World Environment Day.

Under the programme, saplings are being distributed in more than 18 districts: Dhaka, Mymensingh, Manikganj, Tangail, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Lalmonirhat, Natore, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Meherpur, Jashore, Chattogram, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati and Bhasan Char in Noakhali.

Bonayon started in 1980 with the aim of tackling the effects of climate change in Bangladesh and ensuring adequate greening. Last year, during the coronavirus pandemic, it distributed 50 lakh saplings while following health guidelines.

Over its 41-year journey, Bonayon has so far distributed 11 crore timber, fruit and medicinal trees free of charge.

The initiative works as a partner of the Bangladesh government in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 13, "Climate Action", and SDG 15, "Life on Land".

For spreading greenery and helping tackle climate change through tree planting, Bonayon has won recognition and awards at home and abroad, including the Prime Minister's National Award four times and the Chief Adviser's National Award once.

It has also received the "Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award" from Enterprise Asia in recognition of green leadership, and the "Bangladesh Innovation Award 2021" in the SDG inclusion category. The project also wins more than 20 district and upazila-level awards every year.

Several government and private organisations play an important role as partners in speeding up its work, among them the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Rajshahi City Corporation, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh Agricultural University.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.