Tree plantation: some questions

Now, plantation programmes are being run all over the country by individuals, NGOs and the government. But, are we doing the right things in the name of tree plantation? Are we concerned about ecological balance or conserving biodiversity? In the name of tree plantation, we might be disrupting the natural balance and losing our native flora and fauna.

You may be surprised to learn how tree plantation can have a negative impact. Well, everything should be planned in light of our needs. At first, the Bangladesh Forest Department put emphasis on eucalyptus plantation. Now it is banned! Now, the Forest Department is trying to popularise Acacia and Rubber plantation. Already, large tracts of Acacia and Rubber plantation have been raised. Although Acacia is a fast growing plant with wide range of PH acceptability but this species is pollen allergic. Birds don't make nests on such plants. But monoculture of this species is still going on. By practicing monoculture, we are losing our valuable biodiversity and breaking the sustainability of nature. Nowadays environmentalists are fighting against monoculture. But the Forest Department is promoting rubber plantation by destroying our indigenous species. Another thing is that there is no provision for wildlife in rubber plantation.

About 167 indigenous plant species are under threat and will become extinct if nothing is done to protect them. It's our responsibility to save our indigenous plants and make our environment sustainable.