Social mangrove afforestation comes as boon for coastal people
Gulam Rabbani :
Mangrove trees are being planted along the river banks of the Satkhira coastal areas for the past few years to protect the people from natural disasters. These mangrove plants are now playing an important role in the livelihood of the local people in addition to coping with natural disasters.
As a result, the locals are being saved from the damage caused by river erosion, cyclones, tidal surges and salinity. They are also becoming economically self-sufficient by getting benefits such as fodder, fuel supply and shelter from the forest plants.
Social afforestation is continuing along the coastal areas with the initiatives of different public and private organizations. During a recent visit it was seen that social purpose organization Friendship has planted trees on four hectares of land in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira.
Three thousand saplings have been planted per hectare land. A total of 12,000 saplings have been planted on the banks of Madar River in Ramjannagar by the organization.
Sabilar Rahman, a 60-year old resident of Ramjannagar union of Shyamnagar upazila under Satkhira district, described the benefits of social mangrove afforestation to The New Nation. He said, “I have been taking care of a social mongrove afforestation for four years since 2019. I am maintaining it.
Earlier, it was like a desert. There were no plants to feed the cattle. Now the grass grows here, as well as a forest has also been created. I am getting the opportunity to feed the cattle.”
Fatema Begum, 33, another resident of Ramjannagar union, said, “Earlier there was no such plantation. After the start of mangrove afforestation program of Friendship, a social purpose organization, now the saline water does not enter the arable land overflowing the dam. There is no erosion in the river bank like earlier. Now we feel comfort as there are enough trees and forests.”
Masud Rana, Project Manager of the Mangrove Plantation of the social organization Friendship, informed about the success of this type of afforestation on the banks of the salined river. He said, “We started the afforestation with the permission and coordination of UNO, AC Land, union parishad authorities.
Initially, there was a lack of awareness among the residents of this area about mangrove afforestation. They used to destroy trees while catching shrimps and crabs. We explained the benefits and positive aspects of forestry to them through group meetings. Now they are aware. Now an affection for the trees has grown among the locals.”
Locals are now asking for afforestation, said Masud Rana adding that fishes and crabs have become habitats here due to the afforestation. As a result, more fishes and crabs are being caught than earlier, which is making the locals economically self-reliant, added the official.
Mizanur Rahman, Regional Manager of Friendship, highlighted the reason for mangrove plantation on the banks of Madar River in Shyamnagar upazila.
He said, “We planted trees here for several reasons. For example, support to people’s livelihood, protection of dams in coastal areas, etc. Fruits are available from Keora trees during this season.
Locals make pickles and other foods with it. Again, it is easy to get honey when there are flowers on the trees. Golpata is one of the most valuable trees. Golpata can be sold, as well as it can be used as house canopy.”
Mizanur Rahman also said, “This place was completely empty four years back. After planting saplings in 2019, we appointed four caretakers. They look after them. They also maintain nets or fences. Trees of mangrove species such as Baine, Garan, Keora, Golpata, etc. are found here.”
