2,000 trees planted along Betna River to combat climate change

A social forestry initiative has seen 2,000 trees planted along the Betna River in Tetuldanga village, Ward 6 of Dhulihar Union, in Satkhira Sadar upazila, as part of efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change, protect ecological balance and promote sustainable development.

The initiative was implemented from October 14 to 19, 2026. It is expected to help conserve the riverbank environment, protect biodiversity and strengthen local resilience to climate change.

The programme was carried out under the overall guidance and supervision of Arnab Dutta, Satkhira Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer, with the support of Dhulihar Union Parishad. The initiative was undertaken under the SPiRiT-CALL project, implemented by Breaking the Silence with support from Terre des hommes (Tdh). The active participation of 54 children and young people was a key feature of the programme.

From Life Skills to Environmental Protection

Under the SPiRiT-CALL project, life-skills sessions aim to develop children's leadership, teamwork, decision-making abilities and sense of social responsibility. The knowledge and motivation gained through these sessions are encouraging children to participate in environmental protection and community development activities.

As part of these efforts, children and young people took an active role in the social forestry initiative along the Betna River. Their involvement in tree planting demonstrates how lessons learned through life-skills sessions can be translated into practical action. It also gives them an opportunity to understand the importance of environmental conservation and contribute directly to the development of their communities.

Trees Planted Across Nearly Seven Bighas to Protect Biodiversity

A total of 2,000 trees have been planted across nearly seven bighas of land along the Betna River. The species include elephant apple, tamarind, golpata, khoi babla, babla, kakra, bain, paban jhau and keora, among others.

Taking into account the local environment and the characteristics of the riverbank, the initiative seeks to expand green cover, conserve biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.

Measures have also been taken to protect the newly planted saplings, including the use of nets, stakes and bamboo fencing where necessary. Organisers hope that, with proper care, the trees will contribute to protecting the riverbank environment and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Joint Efforts to Ensure Long-Term Care and Protection

Beyond planting trees, the initiative emphasises the long-term care and preservation of the saplings. The local community, Dhulihar Union Parishad and the Forest Department are expected to work together to maintain and protect the trees.

Alongside the continued involvement of children and young people, public awareness and a strong sense of responsibility among local residents will be crucial to ensuring the initiative's sustainability.

The organisers hope that cooperation among government agencies, local government institutions, development organisations, the Forest Department and the community will help establish the social forestry programme as a lasting environmental initiative.

Building a Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Future

Coastal Satkhira faces a range of climate-related risks. Against this backdrop, the social forestry initiative along the Betna River represents a positive local effort to conserve the environment, protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.

Engaging children and young people in practical social and environmental activities, while developing their life skills, can help foster leadership, awareness and social responsibility. Initiatives of this kind can further strengthen environmental conservation through the collective participation of public institutions, development organisations and local communities.

With proper care and long-term maintenance, the social forestry initiative along the Betna River could make a significant contribution to preserving ecological balance and advancing sustainable development in the years ahead.