The initiative brought together 54 children and young people, local authorities and development organisations, with plans for long-term sapling care to support riverbank protection and biodiversity conservation.
A social afforestation initiative involving the planting of 2,000 trees has been completed along the Betna River in Tetuldanga village, Ward No. 6, Dhulihar Union, Satkhira Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh, with the aim of mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change, maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable development. The initiative was implemented from 14 to 19 October 2026. It is considered a timely step towards protecting the riverbank ecosystem, conserving biodiversity and strengthening local climate resilience.
The initiative was implemented under the overall guidance, active participation and supervision of Arnab Dutta, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), the chief administrative officer of Satkhira Sadar Upazila, with the patronage of Dhulihar Union Parishad, the local government council. The initiative was undertaken through the SPiRiT-CALL Project, implemented by Breaking the Silence with the support of Terre des hommes (Tdh). The active participation of 54 children and young people was a key feature of the programme.
Under the SPiRiT-CALL Project, implemented by Breaking the Silence, life skills sessions emphasise the development of children’s leadership, teamwork, decision-making abilities and sense of social responsibility. The knowledge and inspiration gained through these sessions encourage children to participate in environmental protection and various community-level social development initiatives.
As part of this ongoing effort, children and young people actively participated in the social afforestation initiative along the Betna River. Their involvement in this environmentally friendly activity demonstrates the practical application of the knowledge and skills gained through life skills sessions. Through such participation, children are not only becoming more aware of the importance of environmental conservation but are also gaining opportunities to contribute actively to the development of their communities.
Under this social afforestation initiative, 2,000 trees were planted across approximately seven bighas of land along the Betna River. The planted species include kadbel (elephant apple), tamarind, golpata (nipa palm), khair babla, babla (acacia) and other locally suitable species, including bain, kakra and coastal pine, as well as keora (mangrove).
The initiative aims to increase green cover, conserve biodiversity and maintain ecological balance by selecting tree species suited to the local environment and riverbank conditions. Measures have also been taken to protect the newly planted saplings by installing nets, fencing and bamboo supports where necessary. With proper care and maintenance, the trees are expected to contribute positively to riverbank protection, environmental conservation and efforts to address the impacts of climate change.
Alongside tree planting, particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring the long-term care and protection of the saplings. Local community members, Dhulihar Union Parishad and the Forest Department are expected to work collaboratively to maintain and protect the planted trees. In addition to the participation of children and young people, awareness and responsible engagement among local residents will be essential to ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
The collective involvement of government administration, local government institutions, development organisations, the Forest Department and community members is expected to help establish this social afforestation initiative as a sustainable environmental intervention.
Coastal Satkhira faces multiple risks associated with climate change. In this context, the social afforestation initiative along the Betna River represents a positive local-level effort to protect the environment, conserve biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.
Engaging children and young people in practical social and environmental activities alongside life skills development helps strengthen their leadership, awareness and sense of social responsibility. Collaborative initiatives involving government institutions, development organisations and local communities can further strengthen environmental protection efforts.
With proper care and long-term maintenance, this social afforestation initiative along the Betna River has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to ecological balance and sustainable development in the years ahead.
