“IF YOU CUT A TREE, YOU KILL A LIFE. IF YOU SAVE A TREE, YOU SAVE A LIFE. IF YOU PLANT A TREE, YOU PLANT A LIFE.” A tree provides us with fresh air and oxygen without which the existence of life on earth becomes impossible. We need to do more tree plantation campaigns as trees not only provide with oxygen but also play an essential role in the ecology. Ecological imbalance can cause flood, drought and various other natural calamities that can lead to the destruction of life. Bangladesh Roadside Tree Plantation Summary 45,000 tree saplings will be planted on rural roads in Bangladesh. Legal agreements will ensure that 60% tree wealth created will belong to the poorest families (45 kms.x15=675 families). Local government and PEP each receive 20% tree wealth. 45 poor rural women & 3 local social workers will be employed for 3 years to nurture the young saplings, receiving a monthly salary. With only 8% of the desired 25% land under tree coverage, the project will improve environment. Challenge With about 170 million people in a country of 144,000 square kilometers, tree coverage is now only 8% compared to 25% desirable amount. Likewise numbers of landless rural families are increasing rapidly with rise in extreme poverty, lack of employment opportunities and economic assets. Major economic assets to come out of poverty. Solution Rural roadsides and site of canals planted with tree saplings help to prevent erosion, increase tree coverage and health of the environment. The 45 landless poor women get three years employment as caretakers, while 675 poorest families get 60% ownership of the planted trees, giving some regular income from pruning and trees toppled in storms. Long-Term Impact Besides helping to reforest local areas, preventing erosion and stabilizing weather patterns, timber is produced for furniture, housing construction and firewood. The 45 women employed for three years help support their families and save part salary to invest in economic assets such as land rental and livestock rearing. When trees are harvested, families often receive $250-500 which helps them buy land.