The government has banned the plantation, collection, and sale of eucalyptus and akashmoni saplings, aiming to protect the country’s environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued an official notification on May 15.
According to the notification, in line with national and international commitments, all government, non-government, and individual organisations and individuals must replace these invasive species in afforestation programmes with native fruit-bearing, timber, and medicinal plants.
These invasive species absorb excessive amounts of groundwater, depleting soil moisture and severely affecting dry and seasonal climate zones.
The leaves of these trees contain toxins that fall to the ground, rendering the surrounding soil infertile and unsuitable for other plant species. Moreover, these trees threaten local biodiversity, as many native plants, insects, and birds cannot find shelter or food.
The ministry has asked all to promote and participate in the plantation of native species to protect the environment and biodiversity.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/BSS
