Bangladesh introduces first 'urban forest' to protect environment

The initiative forms part of efforts to protect the environment, reduce the impact of rising temperatures, and tackle air pollution.

Spearheaded by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the project is expected to be implemented at Banani and Kalyanpur as pilot tests.

Under the urban forest project, local species of trees and shrubs will be planted with an estimated 20 to 40 species in a small forest.

The forest will be sprouted on a 53-acre reservoir owned by the DNCC at Kalyanpur and another under the authority of the Roads and Highways Department on the east side of Airport Road from Kamal Ataturk Avenue in Banani to Banani Road No. 27.

Financial assistance is being pursued to kickstart the project which is still in the planning stage and scheduled to begin once funds are secured.

DNCC’s Environment, Climate, and Disaster Management Circle Executive Engineer Nuruzzaman Khan told Jago News that the forest will help to cool down the city environment, regulate water flow and increase biodiversity.

The project also aims at developing a spiritual bond between nature and children.

Chief Heat Officer of Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, a US-based research institute assigned to DNCC is leading the project. Bushra Afrin has sought Bangladesh Bank’s sponsorship.