By Shahidul Islam from Rajshahi
On World Environment Day a unique environmental awareness program titled “Mourning Procession and Memorial for Silent Lives Lost to Pesticides” was held under a century-old mango tree in Boro Gachhi School Para, Paba Upazila, Rajshahi.
Organized jointly by BARCIK, the Barind Youth Forum, and Green Coalition-Rajshahi, the event commemorated beneficial biodiversity increasingly threatened by pesticide use, including soil microorganisms, bees, butterflies, birds, frogs, fish, earthworms, and native plants.
Farmers, youth, teachers, environmental activists, and local communities joined a symbolic mourning procession carrying messages such as “Save Biodiversity, Save Food” and “Save Soil, Save Life.” Participants observed a minute of silence and planted a tree in memory of the species lost to chemical pollution.
A special eco-theatre perform mourning procession held for Silent Lives Lost to Pesticides featured 24 participants representing elements of nature including rivers, soil, pollinators, birds, frogs, native seeds, wetlands, and future generations. Through dramatic monologues, they highlighted the impacts of pesticides, pollution, and environmental degradation on ecosystems and human well-being.
Speakers emphasized that excessive pesticide use is destroying biodiversity and threatening food systems, farmers’ health, and ecological balance. They called for reducing chemical dependency and promoting agroecology and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The event concluded with a collective pledge to protect rivers, forests, wetlands, pollinators, soil, and biodiversity while promoting ecological justice and sustainable agriculture for future generations.
