By Biswajit Mondal, Shyamnagar, Satkhira

The International Day for Biological Diversity, was observed in Shyamnagar, Satkhira, in alignment with this year’s global theme: “Be Part of the Plan, Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”

The event was jointly organized by Sabuj Sanghoti, Sundarbans Student Solidarity Team, and Shyamnagar Upazila Youth Volunteer Coordination Committee, with support from BARCIK. The program was presided over by forest-dependent woman and Green Coalition member, Shefali Bibi.

A human chain was organized in front of the Shyamnagar Upazila Press Club under the slogan “Save the Coast, Life, and Nature from Saline Water Intrusion.” Local youths, professionals, journalists, and development workers actively participated in the human chain. The program highlighted the role of coastal communities in conserving biodiversity and showcased local initiatives undertaken in response to environmental threats.

Speakers at the event included Sheikh Afzalur Rahman and Abu Sayeed, senior advisors of the Upazila Press Club; Delwara Begum and Kumud Ranjan Gayan of Sabuj Sanghoti; Sabuj Billa from Sundarbans Student Solidarity Team; fisherwoman Kohinur Begum; forest-dependent woman Shefali Bibi; and BARCIK’s regional coordinator Ramkrishna Joardar, Biswajit Mondal, S.M. Osman Gani, Maruf Hossain Milon, Borsha Gain, and Protima Rani, among others.

In the speakers said, “We must take responsibility for protecting every form of life in nature. Our livelihoods depend on biodiversity, and all sectors must act with empathy and responsibility. We cannot continue to destroy nature indiscriminately.”

Participants also displayed placards featuring key demands for biodiversity protection, including: save coastal life and nature from saline water intrusion, stop saline water extraction in coastal areas, conserve natural water bodies, implement a zoning system in coastal regions, ensure and access to freshwater for irrigation to save agriculture “Save frogs, save nature”, promote and expand agroecological practices etc.

The program concluded with a collective call to action for safeguarding the coast and biodiversity, ensuring harmony between nature and human life.