To build agro-based industries by improving skills, practices, methods, yields and varieties. The Program gives equal importance to the protection, and promotion, of ecological balance and bio-diversity. One of the major components of agricultural and ecological initiatives is Afforestation with objectives to facilitate and accelerate people’s involvement in tree plantation and thereby generating income, conservation of environment friendly nature and natural beauty.

The afforestation programme was initiated by Gono Unnayan
Prochesta  in  1989-90 fiscal year to engage poor, widowed, and
destitute women in the food for works programme to improve the environment by
planting trees. The World Food Programme (WFP) assisted the programme, which
involved 673 caretakers who planted 193,173 saplings along 241.02 kilometers of
58 roads (on both sides) in Madaripur, Gopalganj, and Shariatpur Districts.

The government
created a deed in 1995 to share the benefits after the trees were harvested.
The sharing arrangement  is as follows:

·       Government Revenue: 20%

·       Upazila Porishad: 25%

·       Union Parishad: 5%

·       Beneficiary Group: 40%

·       GUP: 10%

Saplings distribution and tree Plantation Programme

Over time, the planted saplings have grown into mature trees. These trees are now a valuable asset to the community and also help to support the environment.

In 2022, 41 kilometers of mature trees were sold due to road expansion. Additionally, 15.5 kilometers of trees along the roadside were damaged by river erosion. As a result,  Gono Unnayan Prochesta  is now responsible for caring for the trees along 184.52 kilometers of roads in  three Districts.

The ongoing activities of the programme include:

·       Regular supervision of the Roadside trees;

·       Meetings with the Caretakers;

·       Communication with Roadside villagers;

·       Liaison with the Upazila Porishad on related matters.

The Afforestation Programme has been a success in improving the environment and providing economic opportunities for poor women. It is an important example of how community based projects can be used to achieve sustainable development goals.

Impacts of Roadside Afforestation

The roots of the trees planted under the roadside afforestation programme protect the roads from erosion.

·       The trees planted under the programme is a significant environmental development effort for the community. The shades of the trees provide relief from the sun and rain for villagers and travelers.

·     The planted trees are a valuable asset for the community and the Upazila Porishad.