Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world and the total area is 1,47,570 sq. km with a population of about 170 million, density of population is over 1000 persons per sq. km. As a result, there is a tremendous pressure on the natural resources of the country. With the pace of population booming, increased energy consumption, over exploitation of the natural resources and rapid depletion of the forest reserves accelerated natural disaster like flood, drought and cyclones in Bangladesh.

Once, Bangladesh was famous for its evergreen / semi evergreen tropical forest. But over the period of about 25 years due to over exploitation of forests, more than 50% of the forest resources have been depleted. At present total forest/tree cover area in Bangladesh is 2.62 million ha covering below 17 % of total land area. Though, 25 % of total land is essential under forest/tree cover in any country. About 90% of the state owned forests are concentrated only in 12 districts in the Eastern and South-Western region of Bangladesh. Actual forest / tree coverage is only 6 % of the total land area of Bangladesh.

GADO Bangladesh Foundation is a non-government organization has a vision with climate change in agriculture, prevention of socio-cultural & environmental pollution and drug abuse. A climate change issue in agriculture is one of the main goals of GADO. Numbers of experts in different sectors are exercising the various types of project out of 5,000 volunteers, 35 General members, 64 district representatives in 64 districts, about 300 employees. GADO also has 7 members of advisory committee directing chief of Professor Abdullah Abu Sayed. The Foundation already performed the following activities such as prevention of drug abuse, prevention of social & cultural pollution, physical & mental treatment against drug addiction, HIV /AIDS control, anti-tobacco activities and other bad practices. Also GADO worked on street children taking the basic education and vocational training. Recently GADO Bangladesh Foundation experienced with tree plantation program and also going to start Ginger & Banana cultivation in joint venture with Taiwan as the part of agricultural activities in south-western region of Bangladesh.

Objectives of the Project

Our project is to make a firm relation between plants and human species. For the betterment of the second one, the most harmless species is gradually being destroyed. And we are to return a bit of the ‘goods’ trees have done for us. In the context of natural disaster and environmental degradation due to climate change the prime objective of the project is to promote tree cover in rural areas of Bangladesh and give benefits to rural people by plantation of diversified tree species and adaptation to ensure sustainable livelihood and food security of the rural poor. The project will cover 287 Upazilas under 37 Districts.

• 1.To introduce ideal model for plantation of locally adapted tree species using fallow lands / homestead surrounding areas in different locations of Bangladesh
  2.To help the establishment of tree orchard in own homestead surrounding areas and controlled areas among the beneficiary local people
  3.To create employment opportunities of a huge numbers of unemployed people
  4.To diversify plantation of tree species in fallow lands, roadsides, pond sides, bunds, homestead surrounding areas and other possible areas in regard of multipurpose use
  5.To involve women on homestead activities with a view to empowerment in the economic activities
  6.To create awareness of rural people on the importance of tree plantation in their fallow lands in the context of intensified hazards due to climate change
  7.To increase additional income of the rural people
  8.To proper use of fallow lands

Total Project Value & Purpose of Investments

If we count in total project cost with 3 years maintenance and all other expenditure to each tree species then it’s come only 920 taka.

Outcomes      

 More than 60,00,000 (Sixty Lakh) different types of tree species- (i. e. Fruits, Herbals & Wilds),

and around 20000 (twenty thousand) different types of tree species will plant and with close observations during project period among the local targeted area in 473 upazila of 37 districts.

Increased national Revenue / GDP

 The forestry sector contributes about 5% of the total GDP of Bangladesh. This does not reflect the true contribution of this sector. The rural population uses fire wood and other minor forest products practically free of cost. So tree density must be increased by dint of this project successfully completion.

It is estimated that the possible outcome will be more than in Tk. 2,650 crore after 5 years of plantation if 70 % of tree species will be survived under close supervision during 3 years of this project period and if we count in 10 years it’s come more than Tk. 5,000 crore.

Employment Opportunities

During the project period huge numbers of people will be recruited for the implementation of the program. These activities must be reduced the crisis of unemployment in our country. Such as, at about more than 1,187 numbers of manpower will direct employees and more than 2,35,000 numbers of manpower will indirect employees.

Protect Climate Change Effect

Trees for protects the climate changes. The major culprits of green house effect are the toxic gases named carbon dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, CFC etc. These gases we call green house gases. With the rapid growth of Industries & population, these gases are on increase and the climate is in the way of damage. Only tree can save us and the role of tree/forest in protecting the environment from pollution and its contribution towards bio-diversity is immense.

Protect Natural Disaster

Tree/Forest also plays an important role in protecting watersheds, irrigation and hydraulic structure, also in keeping the rivers and ports navigable. It also plays key role to protecting from natural disasters mainly in coastal areas.

Beneficent Local People

Huge numbers of rural people will be benefited directly. The implementation of the project will create scope of works for rural people mainly women and to increase income generating activities for poor peoples.

Conclusions

There’s no need to describe the vital importance of trees as it is beyond description or imagination for any normal human being. We are not heading for those formal talks but some new ways where words are turned into works. The truth is that we might be in danger if and only if plantations are not done or done in proper rules and rituals. Correct plans and routine works are capable of making Bangladesh our most desired Bangladesh. And we are proud to announce GADO Bangladesh Foundation always eager to serve for the country and having perfect acknowledgements of plantation works.