Bangladesh's largest private sector-driven afforestation program, ‘Bonayan’, kicks off its sapling distribution across the country on 5th June 2023, celebrated World Environment Day.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Bonayan, the country’s largest private sector driven afforestation program, initiates its sapling distribution drive in alignment with the Government’s National Tree Plantation Campaign.

Bonayan will be distributing 5 million saplings in 2023 to various stakeholders, complementing the Government’s national agenda.

‘Bonayan’ embarks on its 43rd year of legacy this year. Its journey started in 1980 responding to the call of promoting mass plantation by the Forest Department of the Government of Bangladesh.

In order to restore the ecosystem across different regions of the country, the program has so far distributed 120 million fruit, forestry, and medicinal saplings free of cost to farmers and stakeholders. These saplings are prepared in over 18 nurseries across the country.

To further ensure ecological conservation, Bonayan has also established 119 medicinal gardens with the help of farmers. Bonayan’s vision is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) # 15 (Life on Land) and also aims to support the Government in its plan to progressively increase the land-to-tree ratio to 25%.

Currently, ‘Bonayan’ is operating its projects across 22 districts in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Mymensingh, Manikganj, Tangail, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Lalmonirhat, Natore, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Meherpur, Jessore, Chittagong, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati and Noakhali (Bhasanchar) are amongst them.

Over the years ‘Bonayan’ has attained several accolades both locally and internationally for its contributions towards protecting biodiversity and improving the overall ecosystem. The project has won the prestigious Prime Minister's National Award for afforestation five times, the Chief Adviser's National Award once and many more.

It has also bagged the 'Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award' on Green Leadership from 'Enterprise Asia'. Most recently, Bonayan has been honored with the SDG Brand Champion Award 2023 in Climate & Environment category for its impactful nationwide afforestation initiative.

In line with its strong pledge to support ecosystem restoration and ensure a Greener Bangladesh, ‘Bonayan’ is collaborating with multiple public and private institutions. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner-RRRC, Rajshahi City Corporation, Border Guard Bangladesh-BGB, and Bangladesh Agricultural University are a few of the notable institutions that Bonayan is collaboratively working with.

'Bonayan' is dedicated to advancing its afforestation drive to support the Government attain the Sustainable Development Goals. By revitalizing the ecosystem, Bonayan aims to secure a more environment friendly future for everyone.