Satkhira Correspondent
When the coastal area is repeatedly devastated by the terrible impact of climate change, local people have come forward with a ray of hope in that crisis. The people of Shyamnagar have taken up a great initiative to create a green armor to protect the coastal embankment from natural disasters and river erosion – Charafanayan. A unique tree plantation program was held on 1 acre 44 hundred square meters of land on the Malancha river floodplain of the Sundarbans at 4 pm on Thursday, June 26. This initiative was jointly taken by the local development organization Leaders and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). The main objective of this program was to prevent river erosion, protect biodiversity and provide long-term protection to the coastal embankment by planting various types of saplings suitable for the coastal environment and ecosystem. Mohan Kumar Mandal, Executive Director of Leaders, was present at the event and officially inaugurated the program. He said, “This tree plantation will not only contribute to nature but also to the protection of the lives and livelihoods of the people of this region. It is important for us to come forward from our respective positions.” Local public representative Ziaur Rahman, representatives of environmental organizations, teachers and students, journalists of the Sundarban Press Club and volunteers spontaneously participated in this great program of afforestation. Local woman Panchi Rani said, “Every day we spend in fear of storms and tidal waves. The more afforestation increases, the stronger the coastal embankment will be. These trees will not only give us oxygen, but also shelter and hope.” It is worth noting that Leaders has been working tirelessly for a long time in climate adaptation, disaster management and environmental conservation in the coastal region. This initiative is not just about coexistence with nature, but also a reflection of a visionary thought – where people, nature and future generations are intertwined. It is like a promise of resistance wrapped in greenery, where the noise of life is protected by the silent shade of trees.