Established in 1980, Bonayan has grown into Bangladesh’s largest private-sector afforestation program, driven by a vision of environmental restoration and biodiversity protection. Over the past four decades, it has freely distributed more than 130 million fruit-bearing, forest, and medicinal saplings across the country. This year, in keeping with its longstanding mission, the initiative is set to deliver a further three million saplings to communities nationwide. This year’s campaign aligns with World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5 under the leadership of UNEP. Bonayan’s annual efforts reach more than 25,000 beneficiaries through activities that span 24 districts—from Dhaka and Mymensingh to Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar. The program has also extended its green impact to the Rohingya refugee camps, where it has planted over 300,000 trees in reclaimed areas since 2018. Supported through public-private partnerships involving entities such as government forest departments, RRRC, WFP, FAO, BRAC, and Caritas, Bonayan has played a critical role in ecosystem restoration. Its work in refugee settlements and urban corridors has won national and international recognition, including five Prime Minister’s National Awards, the SDG Brand Champion Award in Climate and Environment, the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award, and the Bangladesh Innovation Award. By distributing three million saplings this year, Bonayan underlines its commitment to expanding tree coverage toward the government goal of a 25% forest-to-land ratio by 2030. Its focus on fruit, forest, and medicinal plants contributes to both environmental resilience and rural livelihoods. Gardener recipients often cultivate these saplings in home gardens or community plots, supporting biodiversity and food security. Bonayan’s initiative also promotes a broader green workforce and environmental awareness. Planting drives engage not only rural households but also schools, NGOs, and local authorities. These efforts aim to spark long-term stewardship, encouraging communities to nurture planted trees beyond distribution drives. As climate crises intensify—bringing cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and salinity challenges—programs like this are essential for building national resilience. Trees anchor soils, control riverbank erosion, improve air quality, and provide shade during heat waves. Bonayan’s three-million-sapling campaign is thus more than symbolic—it’s a practical intervention in climate adaptation. Looking ahead, Bonayan will continue its multifaceted approach: combining large-scale sapling distribution with educational outreach, partnerships, and follow-up care. Its expansion into new districts and ongoing collaboration with development agencies positions it as a cornerstone in national afforestation efforts. In sum, Bonayan’s renewed pledge this year reflects a deep-rooted vision: one that integrates environmental restoration, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Through sapling distribution, training, and collaboration, the initiative nurtures both forests and futures—supporting a greener, more resilient Bangladesh.
