By Biswajit Mondal from Shyamnagar, Satkhira

On the occasion of World Environment Day, observed on June 5, a tree plantation program was organized in Aiburi Canal Bank area of Paschim Jelekhali village under Munshiganj Union, Shyamnagar upazila, Satkhira. The event was held under the slogan: “Say No to Plastic Pollution, The Time to Act is Now.”

Organized by the Green Coalition group and the Paschim Jelekhali Shapla Kishori (Adolescent Girls’) Organization, and supported by BARCIK, the event began at 11 AM on Thursday (June 5, 2025).

The program was presided over by union member of Green Coalition, Bhudhar Chandra Mondal. Around 50 participants including local youth, farmers, students, and development workers participated in the event.

Speakers at the event included Bhudhar Chandra Mondal, Purnima Rani from the Agroecology Learning Center, Anannya, General Secretary of the Kishori Organization, Dolon, President of the Joba Women Farmers’ Group, BARCIK official Ramkrishna Joardar, Biswajit Mondal, Osman Goni, and Maruf Hossain Milon.

The discussants while focusing on environmental protection said, “Living in the coastal region, we constantly face natural disasters. In tackling these challenges, trees are our best friends. Trees not only safeguard the environment but also support biodiversity and climate resilience. There is no alternative to trees for a livable future.”

Participating adolescent girls shared their thoughts: “We’ve planted trees at school and at home before. Today, we’re greening the road by the canal in our village. This is for the next generation. Initiatives like this set an example, especially as many still carelessly dump plastic in our canals. With awareness, we can protect our environment.”

After the discussion members of the Shapla Kishori Organization brought palm, blackberry, and date seeds, as well as jackfruit saplings from their homes and planted trees along half a kilometer stretch of the Aiburi canal bank.