On the sandy dunes of Cox’s Bazar beach, a small sapling of the mangrove tree has taken root.
Emerging beneath the sand, its fresh green leaves symbolize resilience and the will to survive.
The sapling was spotted along the Baharchhara stretch of the Marine Drive in Teknaf, where seeds naturally germinate and take root in the sand.
Experts note that this tree is a key mangrove species of Bangladesh’s coastal ecosystem. Typically found in char lands and seashore areas, the tree grows firmly from seed, anchoring itself deep into the sandy soil.
Environmentalists emphasize that such trees preserve coastal biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. What begins as a fragile sapling can one day grow into a towering tree, acting as a natural shield against cyclones and tidal surges.
Locals in Teknaf believe that planting more mangrove species across the coastline would strengthen environmental protection, boost eco-tourism, and safeguard biodiversity for future generations.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
