MONGLA, July 28 (V7N) – BRAC has distributed fruit and timber tree saplings in Mongla to enhance climate resilience among coastal communities and create sources of nutrition and additional income for families.

The initiative was conducted under the ‘Rain for Life’ project of BRAC’s Climate and Environmental Innovation Programme (CEIP), as part of a homestead tree-planting campaign. The sapling distribution programme was held on Monday afternoon at the grounds of Brahmanmetha Jagannath Temple.

The project, supported by the Royal Danish Embassy, distributed the saplings among local residents.

BRAC Project Operations Manager Prakash Chandra Biswas chaired the event. Mongla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sharmin Akter Sumi attended as the chief guest, while Upazila Agriculture Officer Prashanta Kumar Howlader and central leader of Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhara) Md Nur Alam Sheikh were present as special guests.

BRAC officials Tripti Sardar, Rashed Khan, Masum Mia, and local youth leaders also attended the programme.

Speaking at the event, UNO Sharmin Akter Sumi said Mongla is a climate-vulnerable area where people regularly face challenges from salinity and cyclones.

“The government has set a target to plant 250 million trees across the country over the next five years, which can only be achieved through joint efforts between government and non-government organisations. BRAC’s initiative is commendable. However, planting trees alone is not enough; everyone must take responsibility for their protection and proper care,” she said.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Prashanta Kumar Howlader said not all tree species can survive easily in the saline soil of coastal areas.

“Species such as sapodilla, elephant apple, and mahogany are well suited to this environment. If planted properly and maintained regularly, these saplings will grow successfully. The Department of Agricultural Extension is ready to provide farmers with necessary technical support and guidance,” he said.

Under the project, BRAC is distributing around 12,000 saplings of sapodilla, elephant apple, and mahogany among approximately 3,750 participants in Chandpai, Chila, Mithakhali, and Sonailtala unions of Mongla.

The initiative, implemented with the participation of local administration and communities, is expected to contribute to long-term climate resilience and environmental protection in the coastal region.

END/AHS/SMA/