By Barsha Gain from Shyamnagar, Satkhira
A dialogue meeting on community adaptation strategies was held in Shyamnagar with the participation of local government representatives and community members. The meeting took place on 19 January at the Ishwaripur Union Parishad hall. It was chaired by the Acting Chairman of Ishwaripur Union Parishad, Mr. G. M. Shafiul Alam, and moderated by BARCIK official Barsha Gain.
Union Parishad members, representatives of BARCIK, agroecology learning centers, Green Coalition members, farmers, women farmers, youth, and local committee members attended the meeting. Participants discussed about the key challenges in the area, particularly the shortage of fresh water due to narrowing canals caused by land encroachment, which negatively affects agriculture and livestock. Speakers emphasized the need for canal re-excavation, ensuring access to quality seeds, and protecting water sources to increase crop production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Speakers mentioned that BARCIK has been working for a long time in coastal areas to improve farmers’ livelihoods and conserve the environment and biodiversity. They called for joint efforts by local government and communities to address local problems and build a healthy and sustainable society.
The meeting also stressed the importance of controlling destructive fishing nets and banned pesticides, removing illegal nets from canals, stopping plastic waste dumping in rivers and canals, setting designated waste disposal areas in markets, and preventing saline water intrusion into agricultural land.
In his concluding remarks, the Acting Chairman said that overall development is only possible through active participation of local government, standing committees, and the community, and called for collective efforts to protect nature and strengthen agriculture.
