Staff Correspondent:

The Forest Department, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has taken an initiative to conserve special types of trees and forests as per Section 23(1) of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.

In this regard, all concerned are invited to submit applications for the declaration of National Heritage Trees, Memorial Trees, Sacred Trees, Ancient Trees, and Kunjobon.

Applicants are requested to send necessary information along with a clear photograph of the tree or Kunjobon, if possible, by March 30, 2025, via email to cf- [email protected].

Applications can also be sent by post to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Ban Bhaban, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207.

A “Memorial Tree” refers to any traditional tree or old indigenous plant that holds social, cultural, or customary value or has existed for a hundred years or more.

A “Sacred Tree” is any tree that is recognised as religiously sacred by a specific community or ethnic group.

A “Kunjobon” is an area with a collection of diverse tree species and vines that is rich in biodiversity and holds cultural, social, and traditional significance for the local community. Additionally, the government will prepare a list of trees aged 50 years or more for conservation purposes.

To identify a Memorial Tree, Sacred Tree, Ancient Tree, or Kunjobon, the following information must be provided: Name of the tree or Kunjobon (including the local and common name if available); location details (village, union, upazila, district); if located in a haor, wetland, forest, or hilly area, its specific name; category (Memorial Tree or Sacred Tree or Ancient or Centenarian Tree or Kunjobon); estimated age of the tree or Kunjobon; name(s) of the person(s) responsible for conservation; justification for declaring it a Memorial, Sacred, Ancient Tree, or Kunjobon; ownership details; any challenges or threats to the tree or Kunjobon’s survival; and name, contact address, and mobile number of the applicant.