Local Stakeholder Consultation on Mangrove Restoration Project Held in Dhaka
On 4th September 2025, Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) hosted a Local Stakeholder Consultation at its Dhaka office for the VERRA-registered project focused on mangrove afforestation and restoration in Bangladesh. The event brought together a diverse group of 54 participants, including representatives from local government, educational institutions, women's groups, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), business communities, nursery owners, and BONDHU staff. In addition, representatives from BeFLAT Services Limited and SheRAA joined the session virtually.
The consultation was presided over by Dr. Animesh Sarker, CEO of Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU). Among the attendees, AFM Hayatullah, Agriculture Advisor, Agriculturist Mrityunjoy Roy, Dr. Gour Gobinda Dash, Additional Program Director, Department of Agricultural Extension, Dr. Bibhuti Bhushon Sarker, Agriculture Expert of BONDHU, who were present as the Guests of Honor. Md. Golam Kibria, AGM and Joint Coordinator of Climate-friendly Tree Plantation Project anchored the event.
Dr. Engineer Khalequzzaman, Program Manager of BONDHU, delivered the welcome speech. In his opening remarks, Dr. Engineer Khalequzzaman welcomed all participants and emphasized BONDHU’s commitment to implementing the mangrove afforestation project in coordination with the Bangladesh Forest Department. He highlighted the project’s potential to safeguard biodiversity, enhance community engagement, promote skill development, and create new employment opportunities in coastal areas. He also interacted directly with the audience through a vibrant Q&A session.
Mr. Partha Biswas, Forestry Expert at BONDHU, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives, with a special emphasis on the Mangrove Afforestation and Carbon Sequestration Project. He elucidated the project objectives, benefits, and expected community outcomes. Following the presentation, Mr. Biswas addressed questions and feedback from the participants.
Guest speaker Agriculturist and nature writer Mrityunjoy Roy shared his expert viewpoint on ecological risks such as monoculture and the importance of selecting saline-tolerant tree species. He emphasized the necessity to establish a sustainable green belt along the country’s vulnerable coastal areas.
Dr. Gour Gobinda Dash focused on the environmental impact of fossil fuel usage and the significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He also enlightened the role of carbon sequestration and the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) in mitigating climate change.
Agriculture Expert Bivuti Bhushan Sarker stressed planting trees for a world of zero carbon. He also emphasized creating new employment opportunities through this project.
Dr. Animesh Sarker, chair of the event, focused on raising awareness for the successful implementation and fruition of this project and concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
The consultation served as a key platform to gather valued feedback from local stakeholders, shape awareness, and nurture collaborative ownership of the project. BONDHU remains committed to safeguarding community-driven, climate-resilient solutions through mangrove afforestation and restoration.