Project Sonapahar
| Project Sonapahar | |
|---|---|
  Location within Bangladesh | |
| Location | Mirsharai, Chittagong, Bangladesh |
| Coordinates | 22°50′11″N 91°33′10″E / 22.8364°N 91.5529°E |
| Website | sonapahar |
Project Sonapahar (Bengali: প্রকল্প সোনাপাহাড়) is a privately initiated eco-based project located in Mirsharai Upazila, Chittagong District, Bangladesh. The project is known for its pocket-style artificial forest, conservation of native plant species, and nature-based day tourism activities.[1][2][3]
History
[edit]The site where the project now stands was previously used for brick kiln operations. The area's environment was adversely affected by emissions from brick kilns and hill-cutting activities. To help restore the local ecosystem, an afforestation program was launched with the participation of several entrepreneurs, including Amjad Hossain.[4][5]
Miyawaki Forest
[edit]A forest has been established at Project Sonapahar using the Miyawaki (or Pocket) method. Several news outlets have referred to it as the first Miyawaki forest in Bangladesh.[1][4]
The Miyawaki method was pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki and is designed to create dense, fast-growing forests in a relatively small area.[6] According to individuals associated with the project, around 120 species of native trees and climbing plants have been planted on approximately 4,400 square feet of land.[1][3]
Tourism
[edit]Project Sonapahar is also known as a day-tourism destination. The site has gained popularity among visitors seeking a short getaway close to nature.[2]
Awards and recognition
[edit]In 2024, Project Sonapahar was awarded the Poribesh Padak by BRAC Bank for its environmental conservation initiatives, including the establishment of the country's first private Miyawaki forest.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 ‘প্রকল্প সোনাপাহাড়’ : মাত্র তিন বছরেই যুগবর্ষী ঘন বন. Daily Inqilab (in Bengali). 2025-12-23. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- 1 2 চট্টগ্রামে ‘প্রকল্প সোনাপাহাড়’: পরিকল্পিত ডে-ট্যুরিজমে নতুন সংযোজন. দৈনিক অভয়নগর (in Bengali). 2026-03-29. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- 1 2 হোসেন, ইকবাল (2024-12-29). চট্টগ্রামে দেশের প্রথম ‘মিয়াওয়াকি ফরেস্ট’, ১০ বছরে যেটি রূপ নেয় শতবর্ষী বনে. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- 1 2 "চট্টগ্রামের মিরসরাইয়ে বাংলাদেশের প্রথম মিয়াওয়াকি ফরেস্ট". Haalfashion (in Bengali). 2025-10-04. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- ↑ কায়সার, ওমর (2025-05-15). সোনা পাহাড়ের মায়া. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- ↑ Rahman, Arik (2025-10-20). "Bangladesh's First Private Miyawaki Forest: Project Sonapahar | Inside Bangladesh". inside-bangladesh.com. Retrieved 2026-05-30.
- ↑ "BRAC Bank honours champions with Poribesh Padak". The Business Standard. 2025-08-31. Retrieved 2026-05-30.