SRI Welfare Foundation has concluded its three-month-long “Tree Guardian” campaign after planting and distributing 10,000 saplings across schools, roadsides, open spaces and communities in Natore.

The campaign, launched at Prottoy Laboratory School and College on 6 June, concluded at Mariam School on 20 August with the distribution of the final batch of saplings among students.

People’s Development Organization (PDO) and the Commonwealth Students’ Association joined the campaign as strategic partners.

The initiative was undertaken amid growing concerns over climate change and increasingly intense heatwaves in Bangladesh. Through the campaign, the organisers sought to expand green cover while raising climate awareness, particularly among children and young people.

The campaign was conducted in 10 major phases and covered educational institutions and public spaces across Natore.

Saplings were distributed and planted at Prottoy Laboratory School and College, Borgacha Government Primary School, Natore Government Boys’ High School, Bahadurpur Technical School and College, the Old Bus Stand, Bonbelghoria Government Primary School, Green Academy High School and Mariam School, among other locations.

Young volunteers also helped extend the initiative to rural and suburban communities.

A key feature of the campaign was its “Tree Guardian” concept, designed to ensure that the saplings continue to receive care after being planted.

Under the initiative, children receiving saplings were designated as “Tree Guardians” and encouraged to take responsibility for watering the plants, removing weeds and protecting them from damage.

Speaking at an event at Borgacha Government Primary School, SRI Welfare Foundation Chairman Shaikh Rifad Mahmud, who also serves as vice-president of the Commonwealth Students’ Association, stressed the importance of involving young people in environmental protection.

“Our green initiative aims to restore the familiar face of nature and make the next generation climate-conscious,” he said.

“Handing a tree to a child isn’t just about planting a sapling; it’s about sowing the seed of nature in a future citizen’s heart.”

Md Zillur Rahman Khan Babul Choudhury, an adviser to the foundation who supervised the campaign, said public participation was crucial to protecting the environment.

“With proper guidance and a little support, ordinary people can play an extraordinary role in protecting the environment. The people of Natore have proven that,” he said.

“Planting a tree is an investment for the future.”

Established in 2018, SRI Welfare Foundation works in the areas of education, environment, healthcare and poverty alleviation.