Bangladesh, by virtue of its geography, and in terms of per-capita impact, is the most affected country in the world from climate change. Trees can play a vital role in protecting the fragile environment from flood erosion while protecting homesteads and farmland from damage so maintaining food security in densely populated rural areas.
UNA Eastbourne Vice Chair Mozmil Hussain with Bangladesh Planning Minister M. A. Mannan M.P. in 2023 in London discussing our project.
In 2022 UNA Eastbourne began planting trees in the very flood prone region of Sylhet in east central Bangladesh. The map below shows that other than the mangrove fringes of the Sundarbans, Sylhet is the most flood threatened region of Bangladesh.
We follow the science: The Hijol- Karoch Tree Project
The scientific literature points to the two indigenous tree species, Hijol and Karoch as having the twin benefits of carbon sequestration/capture and environmental sustainability – both of vital importance to the future security of Bangladesh.
The extensive floodplains of Bangladesh are a mixed blessing - on the one hand providing an extensive fertile region, but equally exposing the country to potential devastation. The Hijol-Karoch tree planting project is a contribution to mitigate the consequence of disastrous floods.
The extensive floodplains of Bangladesh are a mixed blessing - on the one hand providing an extensive fertile region, but equally exposing the country to potential devastation. The Hijol-Karoch tree planting project is a contribution to mitigate the consequence of disastrous floods.
Karoch (Pongamia pinnata)
This species is excellent for reforesting damaged environments. Karoch, with its deep roots is able to survive fast flowing flood waters, protecting banks from erosion and, can survive months of waterlogging and sustained drought. It is a very robust tree with a life of over 100 yrs. with low mortality. The tree has the additional benefit of providing valuable biofuel, without displacing vital food crops in a rural environment where food security is paramount. Karoch is planted in areas not used for food cultivation, e.g., roadsides, embankments and barren land where it can also function as a windbreak between fields. As a leguminous tree, it fixes nitrogen in the soil and has the advantage as a superior source of fertilizer through its highly mineralized leaf litter. A further benefit to farmers is that the leaves supress pests and insects, similar to neem. Karoch can provide an essential alternative to the high current use of fossil fuels. The Karoch tree sequesters CO2 through photosynthesis - the abundant seeds provide biofuel - the engines emit GHG which are then absorbed by the trees, thus completing the biodiesel/CO2 cycle. (For further information see scientific evidence).
This species is excellent for reforesting damaged environments. Karoch, with its deep roots is able to survive fast flowing flood waters, protecting banks from erosion and, can survive months of waterlogging and sustained drought. It is a very robust tree with a life of over 100 yrs. with low mortality. The tree has the additional benefit of providing valuable biofuel, without displacing vital food crops in a rural environment where food security is paramount. Karoch is planted in areas not used for food cultivation, e.g., roadsides, embankments and barren land where it can also function as a windbreak between fields. As a leguminous tree, it fixes nitrogen in the soil and has the advantage as a superior source of fertilizer through its highly mineralized leaf litter. A further benefit to farmers is that the leaves supress pests and insects, similar to neem. Karoch can provide an essential alternative to the high current use of fossil fuels. The Karoch tree sequesters CO2 through photosynthesis - the abundant seeds provide biofuel - the engines emit GHG which are then absorbed by the trees, thus completing the biodiesel/CO2 cycle. (For further information see scientific evidence).
Karoch (Pongamia pinnata) tree along a waterway in Sylhet region. The large dense root network of this species enables the tree to provide excellent protection to the land during floods.
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Karoch (Pongamia pinnata) ready for planting.
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Hijol (Barringtonia acutangula)
This species is vital to protect the highly vulnerable floodplain environment from the increasing threat from climate change. It is also invaluable to the local economy supporting the fisheries. One of the most important economic activities on the extensive floodplains. Hijol is considered sensitive to climate change, so efforts are required to ensure its sustainability.
This species is vital to protect the highly vulnerable floodplain environment from the increasing threat from climate change. It is also invaluable to the local economy supporting the fisheries. One of the most important economic activities on the extensive floodplains. Hijol is considered sensitive to climate change, so efforts are required to ensure its sustainability.
Hijol (Barringtonia acutangula) saplings donated to local farmers by UNA EAstbourne as protection for the environment in areas devastated by floods in Sylhet region, north/central Bangladesh in May-June 2022. A total of 2,000 of these saplings marks the beginning of our tree project to ensure farmers have a better future.
Transporting the Hijol.
Barringtonia acutangula (hijol) trees, Son Beel, southern Assam. Photo by Arun Jyoti Nath. In Mongabay Climate series (2023)
Photos of young Hijol and Koroch saplings at Eagles Nursery in Shamshennagar.
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Examples of a Koroch tree after 2 years of growth
Example of a Cadamba tree (Neolamarckia Cadamba) after 2 years growth
Further tree species under consideration
Other species of trees are currently being considered based on their role in environmental protection and, also their acceptance by the local communities. Populus deltoides is one such species which could supplement P.pinnata, as it is also very tolerant of flooding and erosion. Efforts were made during 2022 to reintroduce the equatorial hardwood, Milicia excelsa (Iroko), which had been introduced to Bangladesh, 100 years ago, but to date efforts have not been successful, although we are continuing with efforts to germinate more seeds and raise seedlings to a viable stock.
Other species of trees are currently being considered based on their role in environmental protection and, also their acceptance by the local communities. Populus deltoides is one such species which could supplement P.pinnata, as it is also very tolerant of flooding and erosion. Efforts were made during 2022 to reintroduce the equatorial hardwood, Milicia excelsa (Iroko), which had been introduced to Bangladesh, 100 years ago, but to date efforts have not been successful, although we are continuing with efforts to germinate more seeds and raise seedlings to a viable stock.
Bangladeshi officials support the UNA Eastbourne tree planting programme
In December 2022 the UNA Eastbourne launched its programme to plant trees in Bangladesh with a presentation by our Chairman Ian Elgie in London which was attended by Bangladeshi officials representing several government institutions.
In April/May 2023 Our Vice Chairman Mozmil Hussain initiated the UNA Eastbourne tree planting programme in Sylhet division supported by local politicians. Since then, the tree programme has evolved with scientific input suggesting a new focus on the Hijol-Karoch species. M.excelsa is still in the experimental stage awaiting the success of germination trials.
Important note: The Bangladeshi tree planting programme is evolving at a good pace so keep yourself up to date by checking our website periodically.