In a moment filled with hope and promise, a new generation of young environmental leaders officially took their oath to protect and nurture nature. Through the TREE-Club Election and Oath Ceremony, student leaders pledged to take bold action in their schools and communities—planting trees, raising awareness, and building a culture of care for the environment. What made this election truly special was its student-led process. From presiding officers to polling agents, every key role in the election was carried out by students themselves—from both primary and secondary levels. It was democracy in action, rooted in responsibility and trust. One such example is Durjoy Nag, a Grade-7 student who served as a Polling Officer in his school. He took his responsibilities seriously and reflected on the experience with a proud smile: “At first I was nervous, but then I realized how important my role was. I had to make sure everyone voted fairly. It felt really good to be trusted like that.” Another Grade-7 student was even appointed as a Presiding Officer, a role that required leadership, organization, and fairness—traits these young minds embraced wholeheartedly. Their involvement showed that children, when given the space and structure, can lead with remarkable clarity and maturity. With hands raised in unison and hearts full of purpose, these young changemakers are now at the forefront of TREE’s mission: to promote environmental stewardship through student-led action. Their commitment reflects a growing movement across schools—where “Tree is Life” is more than just a motto; it’s a way of living and leading. This milestone event would not have been possible without the support of dedicated teachers, enthusiastic students, and a community that believes in empowering youth to make a difference. As these student leaders begin their journey, they carry with them a powerful vision—a greener, cleaner future led by the very people who will inherit it. Let’s continue to grow this movement, one TREE-Club, one seed, and one leader at a time.

How do you plant 400,000 date palm seeds?At TREE Association, we believe the answer begins not with a shovel, but with dialogue—under a tree, with a community. This year, TREE has taken on an ambitious yet deeply rooted mission: to plant 400,000 date palm seeds across Jashore. The symbolic and official launch of this journey began not in a hall or at a formal ceremony, but beneath the generous shade of a banyan tree, during a community gathering we call the TREE Dialogue. Present at this intimate and inspiring launch were Abhaynagar’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) K.M. Abu Nawshad, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mr. Shamim, and our own TREE Association Chairperson Md. Tayebur Rahman. But the most remarkable part of the event wasn’t in the speeches—it was in the questions. In a refreshing departure from traditional formats, the dialogue took shape through children’s curious voices. One by one, they posed thoughtful, honest, and often surprising questions to the guests. And the guests responded—not with policy points, but with stories, reflections, and hopes for the future. It wasn’t just a launch—it was a moment of shared understanding and inspiration, where generations connected through a shared dream: to green their surroundings and protect their future. As we begin the work of sowing these hundreds of thousands of seeds, we carry with us the spirit of that banyan tree gathering—grounded in dialogue, nurtured by community, and reaching towards a more sustainable future for all.

In a time when climate action feels urgent but often complex, TREE is sowing the seeds of change—quite literally. Our initiative, Education Tree – A Seed to Climate Education, has just been honored with the Policy Action Award by the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID). This recognition energizes our mission: to put climate education in the hands—and hearts—of the next generation. At TREE, we envision a Bangladesh where every child plants and nurtures a tree each year. This simple yet powerful act is the foundation of our environmental education program. Through this, children don’t just learn about the climate crisis—they act on it, one seedling at a time. The Six-Month Program: A Low-Cost, Self-Sustaining Model This award-winning initiative is built on a four-part model designed for scalability and deep-rooted impact: From planting over 100,000 palm seeds, to forming vibrant TREE Clubs and organizing high-energy TREE Summits, every activity is an invitation to learn, engage, and lead. More Than Trees: It’s a Movement This is not just about greenery—it’s about growing a movement. By placing a tree in every child’s hands, we are building lifelong stewards of the environment. Teachers, parents, and community leaders are also stepping up to support, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom. Our ultimate goal? To help spark a strong and transformative narrative—“Tree is Life”—and ensure that every act of planting and nurturing is seen as a celebration of life itself. Join us. Support us. Let’s grow a greener tomorrow, together.

Planting a tree is a beautiful act of hope—but doing it right makes all the difference. At TREE, we believe that every tree planted should have the best chance to grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to its environment. Before you put a sapling into the ground, here are three essential things to consider: 1. Where Are You Planting the Tree? Not all trees are suitable for all locations. The right tree in the wrong place can cause harm instead of good. For example, palm trees are excellent at protecting against lightning during storms, but planting them too close to homes can be risky. Similarly, the banyan tree provides vast canopy coverage and is a crucial habitat for birds, especially during dry seasons when food is scarce. But it needs ample space to grow and should be placed where it can spread freely without interference. In short: consider the tree’s characteristics, the surrounding ecosystem, and long-term growth when selecting your planting site. 2. When Are You Planting the Tree? Timing matters. Before planting, take a moment to check how the sapling has been prepared. Is it in a polythene bag or a soil ball (commonly known as mattir gulla)? If it’s the latter, monsoon season is the ideal time to plant. The rain increases the survival chances of the tree by supporting healthy root establishment. 3. Who Will Be the Tree’s Guardian? Just like a newborn child needs a caregiver, a tree requires care during its early years. Before planting, ask yourself: who will take responsibility for this tree for at least the first two to three years? Without consistent care—watering, protection from pests or physical damage, and monitoring—many young trees don’t survive. Assigning a dedicated guardian ensures the tree doesn’t just get planted, but also grows into the life-giving presence it’s meant to be.

In a country like Bangladesh, where land is scarce, opportunities for women are often limited, and transportation challenges hinder large-scale environmental efforts, TREE is introducing a smart, sustainable solution: the Micro-Nursery. This innovative initiative reimagines how tree seedlings are produced and distributed. Unlike traditional large-scale nurseries, Micro-Nurseries are small, community-based setups that address three critical challenges in Bangladesh: Micro-Nursery is more than just a planting solution—it is a social, economic, and environmental innovation. It empowers women, conserves valuable land, and creates a decentralized system of seedling production that can support reforestation and greening efforts across the country. Through this initiative, TREE envisions a Bangladesh where millions of trees are grown not just for the planet, but by the people—right in their own communities. If you are interested in supporting TREEpreneurs or helping expand this model, we invite you to connect with us. Together, let’s grow more than trees—we’ll grow livelihoods, leadership, and lasting change.

As part of TREE Association’s Palm Tree Initiative, we are launching an ambitious effort: sowing 30 lakh palm tree seeds in 30 days. This initiative is rooted in both environmental restoration and community safety. Palm trees not only restore the aesthetic beauty of our roads and landscapes, they also play a vital role in reducing the risk of lightning-related fatalities—a growing but under-addressed concern in many rural parts of Bangladesh. This month-long campaign reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions that are both practical and powerful. In Jessore, this effort carries even deeper meaning. Jessore has long been known for its date palm heritage. Through this campaign—starting with 400,000 palm seeds being sown in key areas—we aim to bring back the glory of Jessore’s palm-lined landscapes. In this journey, the support and collaboration of Jessore’s administration have been remarkable. Together with TREE Association, they are helping transform what might seem like a simple planting drive into a long-term legacy of resilience and beauty. This is more than a tree-planting effort. It is a cultural revival, a public safety intervention, and a promise to future generations.

In a remote corner of Natore lies a village unlike any other in Bangladesh. It’s called Hulhulia—a place where not a single police report has ever been filed since independence, and where every resident has passed the SSC examination. This quiet village has drawn the attention of TREE Association—not just for its peacefulness or academic record, but for something even more extraordinary: Hulhulia has its own constitution. Yes, you read that right. The village operates under a self-written constitution, implemented through a local body known as the Village Development Council. This constitution is not just symbolic—it’s a working master plan for long-term community development. And it’s working. At TREE, we’ve started a research initiative to explore and understand the foundations of Hulhulia’s success. Our preliminary findings suggest that community-driven governance, like the constitution and the council, plays a pivotal role. But there is more to uncover, and we are just getting started. Inspired by Hulhulia, TREE is now preparing to launch a Union Development Master Plan in Baghutia Union, Abhaynagar Upazila, Jessore. This plan will be co-created with the people, ensuring grassroots participation in every step of the process. We are partnering with the 6 No. Baghutia Union Parishad to design this inclusive and participatory roadmap for rural development. Want to contribute? If you believe your skills or network could support this work and want to get involved, feel free to reach out to us at 01924-394795 or email us at i.produce.my.oxygen@gmail.com. Together, let’s reimagine rural development—one village, one vision at a time.

In a world often divided by differences, TREE is taking a bold step toward unity through one of nature’s simplest acts—planting a tree. We are proud to introduce our newest initiative, Peace Tree, which seeks to foster mutual respect, trust, and understanding across communities through symbolic and meaningful tree plantation. At TREE, we believe that planting a tree is not just an act of environmental care—it is an expression of connection, empathy, and shared responsibility. Peace Tree invites people of different faiths to plant trees at one another’s places of worship. Followers of Hinduism and other religions will plant trees at mosques, while Muslim communities will plant trees at temples. In doing so, we hope to honor what others hold sacred and nurture an atmosphere of goodwill, dialogue, and coexistence. This initiative is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: when we take care of what is important to one another, we create the conditions for peace to grow. It’s not about uniformity—it’s about unity through respect. Peace Tree is more than a symbolic gesture. It is an invitation to communities across Bangladesh to reimagine how we relate to one another, and to begin new conversations in the shade of the trees we plant together. If you share our belief in building harmony through shared actions and would like to support or collaborate with us on this initiative, please get in touch. Together, let’s plant the seeds of peace—one tree, one heart, one community at a time.

TREE Association is excited to introduce a new initiative close to our hearts: Birth Tree. The idea is beautifully simple. Every time a child is born in our community, we plant three trees in their name. But why three? These trees symbolize the past, the present, and the future—a living tribute to where we come from, who we are, and the world we hope to build. With each birth, we not only celebrate new life, but also reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the planet that will sustain that life. Birth Tree is more than a gesture. It’s a way to: This is our way of saying: every child deserves to grow up in a greener, healthier world. We invite you to be part of this journey. Let’s welcome each child with a promise—to protect their future, one tree at a time. Join the Birth Tree movement. Help us plant hope, love, and life.

TREE is proud to introduce Education Tree, an ambitious new initiative that combines environmental action with youth empowerment. Inspired by the Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act in the Philippines, our vision is to embed climate responsibility into the educational journey of every child in Bangladesh. The idea is simple yet transformative: every student will plant one tree each year, and by the time they complete their SSC, they will have planted ten trees. Through this model, we aim to instill environmental awareness and action as core values from an early age. In 2024, we are moving beyond concept testing and launching the pilot phase of Education Tree in collaboration with 100–200 schools across Bangladesh. This phase will be supported by rigorous research to understand what works best, how schools and communities respond, and how to ensure long-term impact. Looking ahead, 2025 marks our scale-up year, where we aim to expand the initiative to more schools and communities, turning this simple idea into a national movement. Education Tree is more than a tree-planting campaign—it’s an investment in a future where young people lead the way in protecting the planet. By connecting climate education with hands-on action, we’re preparing students not only to learn about change, but to be the change. If you’re interested in joining this journey—whether as a partner, educator, supporter, or volunteer—we would love to hear from you. Together, let’s nurture a greener, wiser, and more resilient generation.