Afforestation increases resilience in nine dists

Forest Department through community participation is carrying afforestation and reforestation activities in nine hilly and coastal districts for improving livelihoods and increasing resilience to climate change.

The districts are: Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Lakshimipur, Barisal, Pakuakhali, Barguna, Bhola and Feni, said a press release yesterday.

Supported by the World Bank, the project has so far afforested and reforested 13,139 hectors of land, two-third of the project target.

Besides, the project has completed the nursery and all preparatory works for the remaining plantations in the coming monsoon season.

The project helped the local poor community finding better and diversified livelihood options. The average annual household income of the participating families has increased by 38 percent.

The surrounding communities' dependency on forest resources has reduced by almost half. All households shifted to improved cook stoves, contributing to saving forest degradation.

The Arannayk Foundation is implementing the alternative livelihood component.

The project provided skills training to 6,000 forest group members on various trades as per their choice. Additionally, 565 group leaders have received training on organisational and leadership development and financial management, including around 400 females and 35 people from ethnic minority population.

The Bangladesh Climate Change Resilient Fund (BCCRF) has provided $33.8 million while seven development partners are contributing to BCCRF.