New Nation| 21 March 2023

World Planting Day is observed on March 21. This day is dedicated to planting anything you can, whether it’s flowers, trees, or veggies, as well as raising awareness of the value of plants. Since 2014, The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) has organized Tree Planting Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the dedication to service, community, and peace.
The 21st March is also proclaimed as the International Day of Forests and Wood day. This day provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together to make a difference. By planting trees, we can help to create a healthier and more sustainable world for future generations. Planting trees is an act of hope, and it is a way to ensure that our planet will continue to thrive for many years to come.
Trees are an essential part of our planet’s ecosystem. They provide habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, improve air and water quality, and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees also play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change, which is one of the greatest challenges facing our world today. Planting trees is an easy but powerful strategy to fight against our climate change and safeguard the environment. We can boost biodiversity, lower the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and enhance the health and wellbeing of nearby communities by planting trees. In contrast, the decreasing number of trees led to loss of biodiversity which had significant impacts on the environment and society, including reduced food and water security, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Moreover, trees help to stabilize soil, and when they are removed, the soil is more susceptible to erosion.
One of the most significant afforestation programs in Bangladesh is the Social Forestry program, which was launched in the 1980s. With the help of this program, more trees will be planted on non-forest sites like farms, lands, and roadways. The program encourages farmers and landowners to plant trees by offering seedlings, technical support, and cash incentives. In addition, the Bangladesh government’s Social Forestry program, has also started a number of other programs to encourage planting trees, such as the National Tree Planting Campaign, which is held each year during the monsoon season. During this initiative, millions of trees are planted across the country, particularly in our urban areas, to promote environmental preservation and decrease the consequences of climate change.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private groups are both actually encouraging tree planting in Bangladesh. In order to encourage sustainable forest management techniques in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change through Participatory Forest Management initiative was started in 2009. The initiative aims to increase local communities’ resistance to the effects of climate change by involving them in forest management operations. Also, mangrove forest restoration and the promotion of alternative livelihood opportunities for local populations are both part of the Climate-Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods (CREL) project, which began in 2012.
Planting trees is a significant way to mitigate the consequences of air pollution. In many places of the world, air pollution is a serious problem that can have a negative influence on both the environment and human health. In a number of ways, trees reduce the negative consequences of air pollution. As like, during photosynthesis, plants take up carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and release oxygen into the environment. The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is decreased as a result of this process. It helps to lessen the consequences of climate change. Other pollutants that are hazardous to human health, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates, are also absorbed by trees. It improves our air quality as trees can act as a natural filter, trapping and absorbing pollutants from the air. This is particularly true for large, mature trees with dense foliage. Studies have shown that a single mature tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year and can remove up to 70 times more air pollution than a young tree. Besides, our urban area has a heat-trapping concentration of buildings and concrete surfaces, which intensifies our air pollution. Urban areas’ heat island effect can be lessened with the help of trees. Trees offer shade, which helps to cool the air and decreases the effect of heat islands. This may aid in enhancing air quality and reducing the consequences of air pollution.
A quick and easy method to promote a healthier environment for everyone is to plant trees. To encourage the planting of trees and build a more sustainable future for the nation, the Bangladeshi government is collaborating with private groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Deforestation can disrupt the water cycle, leading to soil erosion, flooding, and drought and numerous negative impacts on the environment, society, and economy. To prevent deforestation and environmental deterioration, Bangladesh has already started a number of sizeable afforestation operations. With these initiatives, communities will be more resilient to the effects of climate change and biodiversity will be protected.