In the last two decades, the natural forest area of Bangladesh has decreased by more than 600,000 acres. Plants grow in two ways—naturally and through human initiative.
Most trees grow naturally, with birds playing a key role in this process. Birds eat fruit and spread the seeds over long distances, which ensures natural tree proliferation.
However, due to a decrease in the bird population, the rate of seed dispersal has reduced, leading to a decline in the growth of new trees.
Reports published in newspapers reveal that Bangladesh currently has 715 species of birds, but 50 of these species are under threat. On one hand, there is a lack of safe habitats, and on the other hand, poisonous food, the shrinking of water bodies, and the use of chemicals are disrupting the food chain.
As a result, birds are nearing extinction. Additionally, excessive use of pesticides in agricultural land is destroying small fish and insects, which are the primary food sources for birds. The lack of food is causing bird deaths, and their contribution to the environment is diminishing.
From this perspective, when we analyze the relationship between trees and birds, it is evident that birds are essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving forest ecosystem.
If bird numbers decline, the number of trees also decreases naturally. The problems faced by various countries due to deforestation serve as a significant lesson. In countries like Haiti, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia, deforestation has led to soil erosion, droughts, and agricultural disasters.
On the other side, countries like South Korea, Costa Rica, and Rwanda have successfully restored their forests by implementing planned tree planting programs. Specifically, in the 1970s, South Korea used its "Green Belt" program to plant trees on a large scale, preventing soil erosion and boosting agricultural production.
Bangladesh also has a long history of tree planting. From ancient times, rural people have planted trees like banyan, peepal, mango, and jackfruit for personal use.
During the colonial period, the British planted trees like teak and garjan for commercial purposes, taking control of the forests. Even though some progress was made in forest management during the Pakistan era, the general population was not significantly involved.
After independence, Bangladesh started social forestry programs in the 1980s, ensuring the participation of people in tree planting. The government introduced national tree planting campaigns, tree fairs, and greening programs in schools and colleges.
However, many of these programs did not last due to mismanagement, lack of public awareness, and encroachment on forest land. According to statistics, Bangladesh currently has 15.58% forest cover, while internationally it is considered necessary to have 25% forest cover.
If this gap is not addressed, the country will continue to face risks such as desertification, summer heatwaves, shrinking water bodies, and landslides.
In addition, urban areas will experience higher temperatures, increased climate change intensity, and worsening public health. It is important to remember that a mature tree produces an average of 100 liters of oxygen per day, which can meet the oxygen needs of 8 to 10 people.
In this regard, each tree is not only a component of the earth’s ecosystem or biodiversity but also a vital means of sustaining human life.
In this age of tremendous scientific advancement, it would be regrettable if we became even more unaware, rather than more conscious. A clear example of this is the fact that despite numerous tree planting initiatives over time, Bangladesh's natural forest area has decreased by more than 600,000 acres.
We must remember that the tree is the silent guardian of the earth. It does not speak; it gives life. If we neglect these silent life-givers, we risk not only nature but our very own existence.
