Israt Jahan-
The magnificent planet Earth is home to thousands of plant and animal species. Every living thing has developed into a symbiotic ecosystem in which they are either reliant on one another directly or indirectly. However, to meet their demands, different human activities have negatively impacted this ecosystem.
As is well known, trees are one of the earth’s life-sustaining elements and provide humans with oxygen, which is the most vital component for maintaining life. What will happen, though, if the plants hinder environmental growth?
Trees are the most priceless and irreplaceable species that support the health of our environment, but we cut them down for different purposes. The government and other groups are adopting steps like afforestation to alleviate this problem. Afforestation is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees in an area that previously had no tree cover. The project’s primary goals are the restoration and preservation of the ecosystem.
Despite this, there are situations when it can be detrimental to wildlife, ethnic communities, biodiversity, etc. Typically, fast-growing trees like eucalyptus, shilkoroi, rain tree, redwood, etc. are present. However, the rapidly expanding trees in plantation forests use a lot of water, which could deplete the area’s supply.
According to different scientific research, eucalyptus uses 90 liters of water every 24 hours. In that instance, a lack of water results in a decline in the population of native species like birds, insects, and other animals, and surrounding crop fields are impacted by the higher level of toxicity of Eucalyptus leaves, which may lead to groundwater scarcity. Small grass plants cannot grow around this sort of tree which affects the microclimate. The insects that live there cannot live their lives and thus cannot obtain adequate food to survive when the fast-growing tree inhibits the other natural plants from developing.
A new study, however, shows that these fast-growing foreign trees are extremely detrimental for cyclone-prone locations because they are readily uprooted and destructible during the cyclonic phase, which can result in life-threatening injuries as well as economic loss.
However, there are numerous afforestation efforts underway in different parts of the world. The afforestation initiative is essential for tackling issues like climate change, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity preservation, among others. But occasionally, this project causes greater harm to other people and the environment.
Since 1984, Bangladesh has launched a variety of afforestation initiatives, including the Go Green Project. according to many trustworthy sources, this project is mostly being implemented on the highways leading to Gazipur and Bogra to Tetulia. The Eucalyptus trees existing, however, can significantly alter the cycle of the environment.
What about the residents of the neighborhood? Do they have the necessary information on these? Due to their unconsciousness, they frequently plant a large number of fast-growing trees. They are completely unaware of the harmful aspect of planting fast-growing trees. Hence, we should spread information about the consequences of planting fast-growing trees among them, and the afforestation program should take into consideration the local species.
The demand for both timber and fruit can be met by planting fruit trees (Jackfruits, Mangos, Blackberries, Coconuts, Dates, etc.), or by growing other plants like Neem, Indian Bay Leaf, Cinnamon Tree, and other local and eco-friendly trees like palms that can protect us from thunderstorms, red silk cotton trees can be aesthetically pleasing and improve the beauty of the street, and so on. Establishing an appropriate environment in this way might help the local species survive.
Israt Jahan is the Director and Project Lead of Ignite Global Foundation, Bangladesh
