DHAKA, Feb 19, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Forest has taken an initiative to preserve the rare and special species of trees and forests under the Wildlife (Conservation and Safety) Act-2012.

Under the plan, the trees and forests would be preserved in the categories of ‘National Heritage’, ‘Smrak Brikka’ (Memorial Tree) and ‘Pabitra Brikka’ (Sacred Tree), Prachin Brikka (Ancient Tree) and “Kunjabon’, a press release said of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change today said. 
The department has requested people to send information and vivid pictures of the trees and forests along with an application to the ministry by e-mail ([email protected]) before March 30, 2025. 

The information could also be sent to postal address of Chief Conservator of Forests, Bon Bhaban, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207, the press release said.

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 recognized as religiously sacred by any community or ethnic group.

A “Kunjabon” is an area with a collection of diverse species of trees and vines that is rich in biodiversity and holds cultural, social, and traditional significance for the local community. 

In addition, the government will prepare a list of the trees aged 50 years or more for their conservation.

The information must include the name of the trees or forests (including the local and common name if available) and detail location, estimated age of the trees or Kunjobons, name(s) of the person(s) responsible for conservation, justification of categorization, ownership details, challenges or threats to the tree or Kunjobon’s survival, and name, contact address and mobile number of the applicant.

For further details regarding the initiative, interested persons may contact with the CFO, Wildlife, and Nature Conservation Region, Forest Department, the press release said.