Project Oxygen 5.0, an initiative of Give Bangladesh Foundation with Square group as title sponsor, Centrotex Ltd as financial partner and Tyger media as media partner, was successfully executed in Koyra, Khulna, under the inspiring motto “Shokto Kori Bangladesh” (Strengthen Bangladesh). This ambitious program sought to restore and rejuvenate coastal greenery by planting 50,000 trees, addressing one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of the country, a press release said.
The project’s implementation was carried out in three structured phases: Seed Collection: Procuring seeds ethically from the Sundarbans, Nursery Development: Nurturing the seeds into healthy saplings in a designated nursery & Mass Plantation: Planting the saplings across 41 acres of coastal land in Koyra.
Beyond tree plantation, Project Oxygen 5.0 placed a strong emphasis on climate education and youth empowerment through its flagship Climate Graduation Program. This program engages 500 students from two local institutions- Mothbaria Sirajia High School (350 students) and Choukuni Dakhil Madrasah (150 students)- forming 90 research-driven gender-responsive climate-aware youth teams. Over a three-month period, students participate in workshops, field visits, and assessments to become climate champions, learning practical afforestation techniques and the science of coastal protection. Local faith leaders were actively involved to ensure long-term community participation and the creation of a climate-conscious society.
To maximize environmental benefits, suitable tree species were carefully selected for their ability to produce oxygen and absorb carbon. Species such as Kakara, Gewa, Sundari, Golpata, Keora, and Goran were strategically planted along riverbanks, reinforcing coastal resilience.
Collaborative Support:
This year’s initiative was powered by strong partnerships. Square Group, commemorating the centennial birth anniversary of its founder, Late Samson H Chowdhury, joined as the Title Sponsor, generously donating 29,000 trees. Centrotex Ltd joined as a financial partner & Tyger Media as the media partner. The Department of Forests leased the land for plantation, Union Parishad and UNO Office permitted & facilitated local government support, while youth organizations led by Manob Kollan Unit (MKU) played a crucial role in mobilization. GBF volunteers also spearheaded a social media–driven crowdfunding campaign, “1 Tree for 70 Taka”, enabling public participation in a simple and impactful way.
Impact and Reach: Project Oxygen 5.0 directly benefits over 200,000 people across seven unions of Koyra by strengthening natural barriers against cyclones and tidal surges. These 50,000 trees, once mature, will create a “mini-forest” by 2030, producing 43+ tons of oxygen and sequestering 112+ tons of CO₂ annually. The project ensures that local residents take ownership of tree care and maintenance, embedding a culture of environmental stewardship within the community.
Legacy and Evolution:
Project Oxygen was first launched in 2020 as a mitigation response to Cyclone Amphan, when 49,000 trees were planted in just 49 minutes across seven unions of Koyra. Building on this success, 1,600 saplings were planted in Dumuria in 2021, followed by 3,000 saplings in Shyamnagar, Satkhira in 2023, and 50,000 indigenous and mangrove trees in 2024-demonstrating the project’s steady growth and long-term commitment to coastal resilience.
About Give Bangladesh Foundation (GBF):
Founded in 2018, GBF enables individuals and organizations to participate in nation-building through charity and volunteerism. In addition to emergency responses, GBF runs six curated development programs: Project Ombu: Access to safe drinking water. Project Folon: Capital security and agricultural training for farmers. Project Pothchola: Mainstreaming children of sex workers. Project Konna: Menstrual health awareness and access for women and girls. Project Lorai: Economic empowerment of marginalized women. Campaign Thousand Smiles: Cleft surgery for underserved children GBF invites everyone to take part in creating positive social change, addressing development challenges, and joining the movement to strengthen Bangladesh.
