Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Mission Green Bangladesh have jointly launched the 'Green Volunteer Certification Program' starting on Friday, August 23. This special three-month training program aims to develop skilled green volunteers dedicated to environmental protection. The program will feature a variety of activities, including environmental education, hands-on training in tree planting and maintenance, and disaster response training provided by top-tier, internationally recognized trainers.

The program will be led by Mahmud Rahman, a photographer, tree enthusiast, and environmentalist. Selected participants will have the opportunity to work in the urban forest he established at Gulshan 2 Lake. Training sessions will take place every morning from 7 to 10 am, and young tree enthusiasts are encouraged to join.

The inaugural event of the 'Green Volunteer Certification Program' was chaired by Mission Green Bangladesh Convener Ahsan Roni, with Mamun Kabir, Head of Communications and Advocacy for Waterkeepers Bangladesh, serving as the chief guest.

Also in attendance were Moushumi Bandhan, CEO of Healthy Living; Md. Shariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy, and Media at Oxfam Bangladesh; and Belal Hossain, Gopalganj Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Mission Green Bangladesh activist.

During the opening ceremony, Mamun Kabir emphasized the need to build a greener world to combat climate change, highlighting the importance of tree planting and the role of young people in leading future environmental protection efforts.

Ahsan Roni announced their initiative to train youth across the country, starting with the first phase in Dhaka, which includes six trainees. He expressed hope to expand the program nationwide in the future.

Six youths have joined the 'Green Volunteer Certification Program' as Green Volunteers: DM Riyad from Green University, Nanjiba Mim from Stamford University, Arman Hossain Raid from Dhaka Polytechnic, Saathi Akhter from New Model Degree College, Mahfuzul Haque Siam from Tejgaon College's Botany program, and environmentalist Jahangir. The program will be coordinated by Mushfiq Rumman, Chief Coordinator of the Green Volunteer Network.