Chevron Bangladesh has launched a community-based Tree Guardianship initiative in partnership with Green Savers which is designed to expand green cover and support families living near its operational areas in Habiganj and Moulavibazar.
As part of the initiative, each Tree Guardian household will receive ten fruit bearing tree saplings, following a crop calendar, that includes mango, black plum (jamun), jackfruit, lychee, guava, lemon, hog plum (amra), custard apple, Indian gooseberry (amla) and jujube (boroi).
In total, 3,190 fruit tree saplings will be distributed, helping expand green cover while creating long-term environmental and socioeconomic benefits for participating families.
The participating households were selected following a field assessment that considered available space and the potential for long-term care of the trees.
Each participating family will serve as a "Tree Guardian” taking responsibility for household-level planting, protection and maintenance of the saplings.
The recently held event was graced by Md Abul Kalam Azad, director, Department of Environment (DoE), Sylhet Divisional Office as chief guest; Kaelie Knight Holder, general manager operations, Chevron Bangladesh; Muhammad Imrul Kabir, director, corporate affairs, Chevron Bangladesh; AKM Arif Akter, head of community engagement & sustainability, Chevron Bangladesh; Ahsan Rony, CEO of Green Savers, including other representatives from Department of Environment, Sylhet Forest Division, Mirzapur Union Parishad and representatives from Green Savers; employees of Chevron Bangladesh; and the dedicated Tree Guardians, whose efforts continue to support the long-term sustainability of the plantation initiative.
“Initiatives like this play an important role in advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the government’s goal of planting 250 million trees within five years. Through collective action and long-term commitment, we can build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Bangladesh,” said Md Abul Kalam Azad, director, Department of Environment (DoE), Sylhet Divisional Office.
Muhammad Imrul Kabir, director corporate affairs, Chevron Bangladesh, said: “This initiative reflects our commitment to working with neighboring communities to promote environmental stewardship and create meaningful benefits for participating families. By placing local residents at the center of the program, we hope to encourage long-term care of the trees and strengthen shared responsibility for the surrounding environment.”
“At Chevron Bangladesh, we believe safe and reliable operations are built on strong partnerships with the communities where we operate. Through the Tree Guardianship Program, we are working together to promote environmental stewardship, strengthen community partnerships, and create lasting value for future generations,” said Kaelie Knight Holder, general manager operations, Chevron Bangladesh.
As part of the initiative, Tree Guardians will receive practical training on soil preparation, plantation techniques, tree care, and long-term maintenance.
The community stewardship approach is intended to support tree survival while contributing to food security, household nutrition and potential supplementary income opportunities for participating families.
The Tree Guardianship initiative is designed to encourage community participation in environmental conservation and establish a greener landscape around pipeline-adjacent communities.
It also aims to strengthen local awareness and a sense of shared responsibility toward the safety and security of nearby pipeline infrastructure.