Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST), a 17-year-old public university, is steadily transforming its once-barren wetland campus into a living green space through a carefully planned tree plantation drive.
The campus, which initially rose on vast wetlands and open fields, had modern buildings but little greenery, prompting the university authorities to launch a long-term initiative to restore ecological balance and aesthetic harmony.
Since May, the university has planted 1,200 saplings of 250 species, including fruit-bearing, forest, medicinal and ornamental trees, under a landscape-based plan aimed at biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The initiative seeks to reflect the campus’s natural character while addressing environmental degradation, preserving rare species and improving overall environmental quality.
University officials expect the campus to evolve into a fully functional green campus within three years, offering shade, biodiversity and a healthier microclimate.
A six-member plantation committee comprising faculty members from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and the Department of Architecture, along with subject experts, has been overseeing the initiative.
Overall supervision of the programme is being provided by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Nazrul Islam, whose academic work focuses on bio-based composites, wood preservation, bio-adhesives and plant science.
Under the plan, the 30-acre campus has been divided into 1,200 micro-zones, with soil preparation carried out a month in advance by removing sand and replacing it with manure and loam to ensure sapling survival.
The plantation work remains ongoing, with each site being prepared carefully before planting.
“The main objectives of plantation are greening the campus, enhancing its beauty and conserving biodiversity,” said Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Nazrul Islam.
He said Pabna, including areas such as Lalpur in neighbouring Natore, has already emerged as a heat-prone zone, where adequate tree cover can significantly reduce temperatures during the dry season.
The plan includes the conservation of rare and disappearing native tree species to familiarise students with the country’s botanical heritage, he added.
“In a short time, this campus will become a rich laboratory for biodiversity, education and research,” he said.
As the trees mature, they could create habitats for birds and insects.
Students and researchers of biology, environmental science, agriculture and forestry will gain access to a living learning space, he added.
Vice-Chancellor Professor S Abdul Awal said the plantation programme is part of a long-term maintenance and expansion strategy.
He said the initiative would deliver environmental benefits while fostering creativity and intellectual growth among students and supporting climate action and sustainable development goals.
“Our campus will spread its light beyond borders, and the glow of this green space will illuminate Bangladesh,” he added.
The plantation drive has received financial support from Pubali Bank and Janata Bank, while several student social and cultural organisations have also participated in planting activities.
Postgraduate Bangla department student Hosain Ahmed said the growing saplings symbolise the growth of students’ dreams and aspirations alongside the campus.
He described the campus as a “living laboratory”.
As part of broader biodiversity efforts, the university is also planning to release fish into campus lakes and introduce turtles to strengthen aquatic ecosystems.
