On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Bangladesh government has set an ambitious target of planting 72 million tree saplings by the end of the year and aiming to create 1800 kilometers on 9,400-acre land in the country’s coastal region. 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday launched the National Tree Plantation campaign, stressing green and environment-friendly initiatives to ward off the effects of climate change. 

“This year, we have set a target to plant 72.7 million saplings across the country through different projects,” Ziaul Hasan, the secretary of the environment, forest, and climate change, was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

He further informed, “We will plant these trees in four categories: mangrove forestry in the coastal region, block gardening, strip gardening, and assisted natural regeneration or planting where already established greenery was affected.”

Hasina also reminded that the country managed to create 22 percent more forests through sustained efforts. She urged people to plant three tree saplings. 

Over the last decade, urban plantations, and gardening trends have picked up the pace, and the country’s total green coverage has reached almost 22 percent of the total land area. However, the country’s forest coverage hasn’t increased significantly. 

Earlier this year, the government has initiated a campaign where the country managed to plant 10 million tree saplings during the berth centenary year celebration of Bangladesh founding father Sheikh Mujib Rahman. 

(SAM)