‘Plant Scholar’ launched to scale up tree plantation with tech support

Plant Scholar, a technology-driven environmental initiative, was inaugurated at the National Press Club on Thursday.

Sustainable Research and Consultancy Limited (SRCL) organised the inauguration ceremony, with support from the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Climate Frontiers (CF), and FLOWER, said a press release.

Professor Abdus Salam, pro-vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasised that suitable trees must be selected considering scientific criteria like the Air Pollution Tolerance Index. He noted that the combination of technology-driven tree plantation, long-term maintenance, “tree scholarships,” and SAT-MRV-based monitoring makes Plant Scholar an exceptional initiative for Bangladesh.

The event was presided over by Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, dean of the Faculty of Science at Stamford University Bangladesh and Chairman of CAPS, who highlighted that achieving the government's long-term target of planting 250 million trees requires collaborative efforts from public-private institutions, social organizations, and the general public.

Urban Environmentalist Abu Jubayer, also managing director of SRCL, presented the keynote address, stating that the true measure of success is the survival rate of the trees, which will be transparently monitored through GIS and SAT-MRV technologies.

Special Guest Professor M Shahidul Islam of the University of Dhaka praised the initiative for developing youth leadership.

FLOWER's Founder and Executive Director, Jimia Shuchi, emphasised the importance of instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility among students.

The programme was moderated by Jubayer Islam, operations lead of Climate Frontiers. Distinguished guests included Advocate Mahabubul Alam Tahin of CLPA, Ibnul Syed Rana of the Pran Prokriti Poribesh Protibesh Rakkha Jatio Committee, Mahfuz Mishu of Jamuna Television, Kefayet Sakil of Bangla Vision, prominent environmental journalist Mahmud Rakib, and young activist Asaduzzaman Tohin of the OAB Foundation.

Furthermore, the event witnessed strong solidarity and active participation from various prominent youth organizations, including the Green Peace Youth Development Society, Shurjodoy Youth Society, Torongo Foundation, Mission Green Bangladesh, International Youth Change Maker (IYCM), Bashundhara Shuvosangho (Dhaka Metropolitan), Brighters Society of Bangladesh, OAB Foundation, and YEDO Bangladesh.

Plant Scholar is a long-term environmental movement where selected youth from various districts, educational institutions, and communities will be enlisted as “Plant Scholars.” In contrast to conventional tree plantation programs, its primary focus is not merely planting trees but ensuring their survival and proper care. Each scholar will act as the guardian of the trees they plant and will be awarded a ‘Plant Scholarship’ as recognition for their successful nurturing.