Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira, located on the banks of Madar River, was once a barren land plagued by the river's powerful waves that often breached the embankments and caused destruction during natural calamities.
However, the history of the people’s struggle of Ramjannagar union spans several years.
In 2017, Friendship, a development organization, initiated social forestry projects in Asashuni and Shyamnagar.
Subsequently, in 2019, this endeavour extended to Ramjannagar, where a blend of six tree species, including Bine, Garan, Keora, and Golpata, was planted across four hectares of land.
Friendship's scope of social forestry has expanded to 152 hectares of diverse terrains. The organization's twelve nurseries contribute to the cultivation of tree seedlings.
Officials at Friendship highlighted Ramjannagar's vulnerability to climate change. The purpose of social forestry in these areas is to contribute to the implementation of sustainable embankments, protection against cyclones, high tides and other natural disasters.
The impact of this project isn't confined solely to disaster prevention; it also resonates in the lives of local residents.
Md Badiuzzaman, the focal person of Friendship Mangrove Project, explained: “Local residents look after the trees. We have four groups, each with 15 women and 15 men. Following the tree saplings' planting, we employ four caretakers who nurture the trees.”
Additionally, these trees' vegetation supports local livelihoods, with grass for cattle, coriander seeds for pickles, and even honey production.
Krishna Bhadra, a local resident, said: “Traditionally, shrimp farming was the only source of income here. Salinity has affected crops. However, Friendship's afforestation has benefitted some, providing a source of earnings. Flowers yield honey, and fruits are used to make pickles.”
Besides, another resident Fatema said: “Previously, we had no forests or greenery. We've nurtured these trees to create a lush, shaded environment. The water levels have stabilized, and the embankments remain intact.”
Sheikh Chabilar Rahman added: “I feed the leaves to my cows and goats. The dry stalks serve as fuel.”
Formerly reliant on seeds carried from the Sundarbans, Friendship has shifted to cultivating and planting seeds from their own gardens. Their efforts have garnered governmental recognition, with executive officers and local UP chairmen sourcing saplings from them for similar afforestation projects. Looking ahead, Friendship plans to replicate this success in Khulna's Koira region.