Moheshkhali-Kutubdia (Cox's Bazar) Correspondent

Dividend checks have been distributed among 36 beneficiaries of Moheshkhali who have been participating in the conservation, care and management of forest resources for a long time under the social forestry program of the government.

The checks were handed over to the beneficiaries at a function organized on Saturday as part of the programme, which aims to protect the environment, combat the adverse effects of climate change, sustainable management of forest resources and economically involve the local people.

Member of Parliament for Cox's Bazar-2 Constituency Alamgir Muhammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid was present as the chief guest on the occasion. He handed over the dividend checks to the beneficiaries who were responsible for the care, conservation and management of trees under social forestry as per the policies and terms of the agreement set by the government. give Among the beneficiaries are 5 women and 31 men.

In the speech of the chief guest, Alamgir Farid said that social forestry is not just a tree planting program, it is an effective state initiative for environment conservation, biodiversity protection, climate change risk management and socio-economic development of local people.

He said, the coastal upazila of Maheshkhali is facing various risks like climate change effects, cyclones, tides, increase in salinity and coastal land erosion. The importance of social forestry is immense in reducing the damage caused by these natural calamities and maintaining the balance of the environment.

The MP also said that besides ensuring environmentally friendly development, the government is working to create employment and increase economic independence of the local people through proper management of forest resources. Distribution of social forestry dividends is a tangible reflection of that state commitment.

Speakers said that through social forestry programs, on one hand, the amount of forest land is increasing, on the other hand, the income of the local people is increasing and awareness is being created to protect the environment.

Beneficiaries said that through social forestry, they have got the opportunity to directly contribute to the protection of the environment besides benefiting financially.

Forest department officials, local public representatives, officials of various government departments, dignitaries, civil society representatives and beneficiaries were present on the occasion.