Chevron Bangladesh has launched a community-based Tree Guardianship initiative in partnership with Green Savers to expand green cover and support families living near its operational areas in Habiganj and Moulavibazar.
As part of the initiative, each Tree Guardian household will receive 10 fruit-bearing tree saplings, following a crop calendar, reads a press release.
The saplings include mango, black plum (jamun), jackfruit, lychee, guava, lemon, hog plum (amra), custard apple, Indian gooseberry (amla) and jujube (boroi).
In total, 3,190 fruit tree saplings will be distributed to expand green cover while creating long-term environmental and socioeconomic benefits for participating families.
The participating households were selected following a field assessment that considered available space and the potential for long-term care of the trees.
Each participating family will serve as a “Tree Guardian”, taking responsibility for planting, protecting and maintaining the saplings at the household level.
The recently held event was attended by Md Abul Kalam Azad, director of the Department of Environment (DoE), Sylhet Divisional Office, as chief guest; Kaelie Knight Holder, general manager, Operations, Chevron Bangladesh; Muhammad Imrul Kabir, director, Corporate Affairs, Chevron Bangladesh; A K M Arif Akter, head of Community Engagement & Sustainability, Chevron Bangladesh; Ahsan Rony, CEO of Green Savers; representatives from the Department of Environment, Sylhet Forest Division, Mirzapur Union Parishad and Green Savers; Chevron Bangladesh employees; and the Tree Guardians.
“Initiatives like this play an important role in advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the Government’s goal of planting 250 million trees within five years. Through collective action and long-term commitment, we can build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Bangladesh,” said Abul.
Imrul said, “This initiative reflects our commitment to working with neighboring communities to promote environmental stewardship and create meaningful benefits for participating families. By placing local residents at the center of the program, we hope to encourage long-term care of the trees and strengthen shared responsibility for the surrounding environment.”
“At Chevron Bangladesh, we believe safe and reliable operations are built on strong partnerships with the communities where we operate. Through the Tree Guardianship Program, we are working together to promote environmental stewardship, strengthen community partnerships, and create lasting value for future generations,” said Kaelie.
As part of the initiative, Tree Guardians will receive practical training on soil preparation, plantation techniques, tree care and long-term maintenance.
The community stewardship approach is intended to support tree survival while contributing to food security, household nutrition and potential supplementary income opportunities for participating families.
The Tree Guardianship initiative is designed to encourage community participation in environmental conservation and establish a greener landscape around pipeline-adjacent communities.
It also aims to strengthen local awareness and a sense of shared responsibility towards the safety and security of nearby pipeline infrastructure.
