Bonayan plans to distribute 5m saplings this year

As Bangladesh faces intensifying climate risks, including cyclones, floods and heatwaves, Bonayan plans to distribute five million saplings across the country this year as part of its long-running efforts to expand green cover and support ecosystem restoration.

The initiative, which began in 1980, has so far distributed more than 130 million fruit-bearing, timber and medicinal saplings free of charge across Bangladesh over the past 46 years.

Bonayan, one of the country's largest privately supported sapling distribution programmes, said its latest target is aimed at contributing to efforts to increase the country's tree-to-land ratio and strengthen environmental resilience.

The programme currently operates 19 nurseries across the country, producing a range of saplings suited to local environmental conditions.

It follows a 70:30 species composition strategy, combining fast-growing timber species with native and medicinal trees, according to the programme.

Over the years, Bonayan has worked with farmers, local communities, government institutions and civil society organisations in different parts of the country.

It has also established 119 medicinal gardens to improve community access to traditional medicinal plants.

Through planned sapling distribution and plantation activities along roadsides, community spaces and environmentally sensitive areas, the programme has sought to increase green cover while encouraging community participation in environmental conservation.

Bonayan has received a number of national and international awards for its contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable development. It has received the Prime Minister's National Award for tree plantation five times.

"Bonayan's 46-year journey represents both a significant achievement and a continuing responsibility," said Ahmed Raihan Ahsanullah, spokesperson for Bonayan.

"As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, initiatives that encourage tree plantation have become more important than ever," he said.

"For 46 years, Bonayan has been distributing saplings free of charge across Bangladesh. This year, we plan to distribute five million saplings across the country to support efforts to increase the tree-to-land ratio and contribute to a greener, more resilient Bangladesh," Ahsanullah said.

He added that Bonayan would continue working with communities and stakeholders to support ecosystem restoration and promote a sustainable future.