Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages Limited distributed over 20,000 saplings to various institutions as part of their tree plantation and environmental awareness program in the Mymensingh division.
The initiative -- in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Mymensingh, and Divisional Forest Office, Mymensingh -- is set to benefit 40,000 community members, according to a press release.
Addressing the challenge of building climate resilience in the country, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages has undertaken several endeavors, including transitioning to Net Zero, Water Stewardship, and World Without Waste, to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the press release reads.
The tree plantation and environmental awareness program were arranged in celebration of World Environment Day 2023, with the theme for this year's 'National Tree Plantation Campaign' and Tree Fair being 'Gach lagiye Jotno Kori, Sushtho Projonmoer Desh Gori' (Plant Trees to Ensure a Healthy and Sustainable Future for Our Nation).
A N M Abdul Wadud, Divisional Forest Officer, Department of Forest, expressed appreciation for Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages' initiative in organizing such an impactful program on the occasion of World Environment Day and the National Tree Plantation Campaign 2023 through a public-private partnership.
“Similar collaborations as such will enhance peoples’ awareness on the importance of tree plantation and building climate resilient communities and motivate others to come forward to work towards this goal,” he said.
Dilruba Ahmed, Director, Department of Environment, Mymensingh, applauded the endeavor, stating that it is the responsibility of society to create a safer world for future generations. Ahmed commended the government's efforts, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in conserving the environment and tackling climate change.
“It is commendable that Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages is playing its part in this transformation journey as a responsible partner. We require more such successful public-private initiatives to save the environment and combat climate change,” she said.
Anowarul Amin, Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at CCBB, expressed the belief that such initiatives play a significant role in ensuring a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
“Every tree planted today is an invaluable investment for tomorrow, and it is up to us to enable the future generations to recognize the significance of such investments,” he said.
Amin expressed gratitude to the Department of Environment, Mymensingh, and the Divisional Forest Office, Mymensingh, for their invaluable support in organizing the program.
During the event, the saplings were handed over to the youth as symbols of building a resilient future.
Abdul Hannan, Director of Legal Affairs at Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages was present at the program among others.