This year's World Environment Day campaign focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience under the slogan "Our land. Our future.”. Currently, up to 40% of the world's land is degraded, impacting around 3.2 billion people globally due to desertification. Moreover, projections suggest that by 2050, over three-quarters of the world's population will be affected by drought. By addressing land degradation, desertification, and drought, individual countries can also contribute to achieving the SDGs.
BAT Bangladesh proudly commemorates this significant occasion by raising awareness of pressing environmental issues among all and showcasing its commitment to sustainability. In celebration of World Environment Day, BAT Bangladesh organized a sapling distribution campaign for its internal employees at both of its premises in Dhaka and Savar. Over 3500 saplings were distributed to the Company's factory employees and management during this campaign. Additionally, efforts to collect plastic waste were initiated at these locations, showcasing the Company's proactive stance on environmental stewardship. Furthermore, a Cerulean Sanctuary was unveiled at one of the Company's office premises, underscoring our dedication to preserving biodiversity within our facilities.
This World Environment Day also marked the 44th anniversary of BAT Bangladesh's flagship afforestation initiative. Under this initiative, the Company distributes 5 million saplings every year to its farmers and stakeholders. The company operates 19 nurseries nationwide to grow these saplings throughout the year. In order to preserve biodiversity in various regions across the country, the afforestation initiative has till date provided over 125 million fruit, forestry, and medicinal plant saplings to farmers and stakeholders across 24 districts free of charge. Additionally, 119 medicinal gardens have also been established nationwide through this program. This initiative not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also supports local communities in Bangladesh.
The initiative has marked its footsteps in 24 districts throughout the country, including prominent areas such as Dhaka, Mymensingh, Manikganj, Tangail, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Lalmonirhat, Natore, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Meherpur, Jashore, Chattogram, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, and Noakhali (Bhasanchar). This widespread reach demonstrates the initiative's commitment to making a positive impact on communities nationwide.
Throughout the years, this initiative has collaborated closely with a multitude of public and private institutions as well, including the Forest Department of the Govt., Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Agricultural University, among others.
Due to its significant impacts on the overall ecosystem and biodiversity, this initiative has received numerous accolades both domestically and internationally. These accolades include the Prime Minister's National Award (5 times), the Chief Adviser's National Award, the SDG Brand Championship Award 2023, the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award for Green Leadership from Enterprise Asia, and the Bangladesh Innovation Award 2021 in the SDG inclusion category.
The afforestation initiative also contributes to land restoration by improving soil health, increasing carbon sequestration, maintaining water balance in the soil, and contributing to biodiversity by creating ecosystem and plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of communities by improving livelihoods and living standards of the local people.
