A school in Sirajganj operates without conventional classrooms, textbooks, or examinations. Instead, it imparts lessons in biodiversity through thousands of trees, a thriving bird sanctuary, and a protected pond where fishing is strictly prohibited.
Known as the School of Environment and Nature, the conservation initiative is home to more than 5,000 trees representing 345 rare and endangered species. It provides a sanctuary for plants and wildlife whilst actively promoting environmental awareness across Bangladesh.
Among its most prized collections are 20 tree species native to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, which organisers claim have been successfully cultivated together at a single terrestrial site for the first time in the nation’s history.
The school is the culmination of a 26-year environmental conservation campaign spearheaded by Mahbubul Islam Palash, who has dedicated his life to protecting biodiversity, planting trees, and fostering ecological awareness across all 64 districts of the country.
Unlike traditional botanical gardens, the initiative strives to create a living ecosystem where flora, avian life, and aquatic species coexist harmoniously.
Fruit-bearing trees provide food and nesting grounds for native and migratory birds, while a specially protected pond serves as an additional feeding sanctuary.
Fishing is entirely banned, ensuring a continuous food supply for resident bird populations. Together, these measures have established a habitat designed to support entire ecosystems rather than merely preserve isolated plant species.
Saving trees from extinction
The conservation of endangered flora lies at the heart of the school’s mission. Alongside maintaining its collection of rare trees, the initiative is expanding its reach beyond Sirajganj through a nationwide programme to distribute and cultivate saplings of the critically endangered Bailam tree (Anisoptera scaphula).
The campaign spans all 64 districts, with saplings distributed entirely free of charge. As part of this outreach, a symbolic tree-planting expedition was completed from Tetulia in Panchagarh, at Bangladesh’s northernmost frontier, to Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar in the far south.
The journey aimed to demonstrate that safeguarding the environment demands unified nationwide action rather than isolated local projects.
Palash’s efforts also extend directly into educational institutions. Through his personal initiative, dedicated gardens featuring rare tree species have been established at both Rajshahi University and Rajshahi College.
Beyond trees and forests
The School of Environment and Nature actively champions lifestyle changes to curb everyday environmental damage. Community awareness campaigns are conducted across schools, colleges, universities, local markets, and religious institutions to discourage the use of single-use plastics and polythene bags.
To provide practical alternatives, the initiative encourages citizens to adopt reusable jute bags, which are distributed free of charge.
Tree saplings, informative leaflets, and educational materials are also regularly distributed during national and international environmental observances.
According to those involved with the initiative, more than 100,800 environmentally beneficial saplings have been distributed and planted over the past 26 years. Organisers estimate that the campaign has directly reached more than 300,000 people with vital messages on ecological preservation.
Another notable highlight is a dedicated bird sanctuary created within Palash’s private grounds, where wild birds move freely and find safe refuge within a natural setting.
Conservation built on personal commitment
Despite the vast scope of its operations, the initiative has been funded almost entirely out of Palash’s personal finances throughout its 26-year history.
His lifelong contributions to environmental protection, forestry, and sustainable agriculture have earned him two national awards, alongside international recognition and more than 100 individual honours.
Yet the broader significance of the school lies in its philosophy: protecting endangered species whilst inspiring ordinary citizens to take personal responsibility for the natural world.
“Protecting the environment is not merely a programme; it is our moral responsibility,” said Palash. “Effective initiatives must be taken now to build a liveable Bangladesh for future generations.”
Environmental experts believe the project demonstrates how sustained voluntary dedication can meaningfully contribute to biodiversity conservation whilst inspiring younger generations to participate in tree-planting and ecological stewardship.
At a time when natural habitats across South Asia face increasing threats, Sirajganj’s School of Environment and Nature offers far more than a collection of rare plants.
It serves as a living testament to how a protected habitat can bring flora, fauna, and aquatic life together in balance, showing communities how to safeguard the planet for generations to come.
