Have you ever encountered a scene in this country where trees stand proudly in the middle of a road, untouched and thriving? It might seem unimaginable in this country where every year environmentalists keep protesting old trees being cut, either to build a new road or to extend a road.
Care for trees, environment or nature appears to still be a luxury in this country -- though it is no longer so. With the increasing adverse effects of climate change on us, this has become an urgent necessity. The trees on the road as seen in the picture are not out of the country but spotted in Teknaf.
Last weekend, I visited a beautiful, lush green forest of Garjan trees alongside a village called Jahajpura in Teknaf. Just around 500 metres from the beach, there is an old road through the villages along the Marine Drive and the Garjan forest is located beside the road.
Over 50m tall, the towering Garjan trees provide natural cooling shade, created with their umbrella-like canopy. These Garjan trees are a unique feature and vital part of the ecosystem of the area. Same trees are also seen in some parts of Chakaria. Many aged locals from the village said they are over 150 years old and these trees are a heritage of the locality and have saved the locals from many natural disasters and climate hazards.
While a road through he village was constructed years ago, the local people collectively demanded that the trees not be cut for the road. Then the road was built around the trees with minimal impact on the forest. This preservation of trees in such unconventional places serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect nature.
Well-planned and well-regulated eco-tourism that will keep in mind the preservation of nature and environment is the only way
In our childhood, we saw the forest was deep and it was a safe haven for different kinds of birds and wildlife. Birds used to keep chirping and fluttering the whole day, says Maruf-Al-Kawsar, a local youth from the village. Nowadays birds and other animals are seen less, the forest is not as deep as before, he added.
Old trees play a vital role in preserving the environment; they produce more oxygen and absorb more carbon dioxide than young ones. This example of saving old trees in Teknaf gives us hope that some of us understand the environmental loss caused by indiscriminate cutting of trees and clearing forest.
Along the Marine Drive in Teknaf, there is this green forest, creating an exotic and unique natural ambiance. However, this is at stake due to our excessive and unplanned tourism.
In this age of rapid urban development and concretization, we make this planet unlivable for us in the long term. We only care about our short-term gratification and disregard the long-term degradation caused by our mindless consumption and enjoyment.
Cox’s Bazar has the longest uninterrupted natural beach in the world and with the construction of the Marine Drive, rapid tourism facilities are being developed. This is very important to note that along the Marine Drive, we cannot afford a concrete jungle like that of Kolatoli in Cox’s Bazar. It will cause a devastating impact on the environment.
Well-planned and well-regulated eco-tourism that will keep in mind the preservation of nature and environment is the only way.
Parvez Uddin Chowdhury is a development professional and climate enthusiast.
