In an effort to combat the effects of climate change and protect coastal communities from storms, tidal surges, and salinity, a special initiative has been launched in the coastal district of Bhola.

A total of 3,500 fruit and medicinal tree saplings have been distributed to 370 underprivileged families.

These tree saplings were distributed under the non-governmental organization Poribar Unnoyon Songhtha (FDA) of Resilient Homestead and Livelihood (RHL) project at Jahanpur Union under Charfassion upazila in Bhola diastrict on Monday afternoon.

This initiative aims not only to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of coastal residents but also to protect them from natural disasters triggered by climate change.

Project Coordinator Jaydev Mistri said that due to the impact of climate change, frequent storms, tidal surges, natural disasters, and salinity are affecting coastal areas. In response, 3,500 fruit and medicinal tree saplings have been distributed to 370 families in Charfassion, the southern coastal-district of Bhola. These saplings were distributed under the Poribar Unnoyon Songhtha (FDA) of Resilient Homestead and Livelihood (RHL) project as part of the Green Climate Change Program.

From Jahanpur in Charfassion upazila, Beneficiaries Ranu Begum, Bibi Rokeya, and Marzia Akhter, expressed their happiness at receiving the saplings. They said, “We are very happy to have the opportunity to plant these trees around our homes. When the trees grow, we will eat the fruits and sell them. This will increase our income. Moreover, these trees will help protect us from natural disasters in the coastal region.”

The Executive Director of the Poribar Unnoyon Songhths (FDA) Md. Kamal Uddin, mentioned that Jahanpur, a coastal area in Bhola, is prone to disasters. Any kind of flood or disaster impacts these areas first. He believes that these trees will help mitigate the effects of floods, droughts, and salinity.

Additionally, the Agricultural Officer of Charfassion upazila, Md. Rokonuzzaman, emphasized that fruit and medicinal trees are essential for human life. He noted that Jahanpur in Charfassion upazila is a coastal union, and the distributed trees will not only reduce the risk of natural disasters but also fulfill the nutritional needs of families living in the area.