DHAKA : 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; A K M
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.
