By Rasheda Akter from Manikganj
A workshop titled “Youth Leadership in Agroecology and Climate Justice” was held recently at Beutha Arab Bhaban in Manikganj, with the participation of 32 members of the Youth Green Club, Manikganj. The workshop began with an interactive introduction, during which participants identified local environmental and climate-related challenges and shared their expectations. The main session opened with a patriotic song, followed by discussions on the objectives of the workshop, ecological relationships among living organisms, agroecology and BARCIK’s approach, weather and climate, and climate justice. Through participatory discussions and group exercises, the young participants explored how they could contribute to promoting agroecological practices and climate justice in their communities.
During group work, participants identified a range of environmental and climate-related problems in Manikganj. These included excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, deforestation, river and waterway pollution, road waterlogging, air pollution, smoke from brick kilns, declining wildlife habitats, rising temperatures, changing seasonal patterns, irregular rainfall, drought, floods, river erosion, cyclones, tidal surges and increasing health risks. They also recognized social challenges, including child marriage and violence against women and children.
Participants discussed practical ways to address these challenges. They emphasized promoting organic fertilizers, raising public awareness about the harmful effects of excessive pesticide use, planting trees and preventing unnecessary tree felling. They also called for keeping rivers and canals free from waste, reducing air pollution, protecting forests, limiting the burning of fuels and maintaining the natural flow of rivers. To address road waterlogging, they proposed approaching union and upazila authorities. Better management of safe food, water and housing was also identified as essential.
The young people also discussed what they could do through their own initiatives. They pledged to encourage local farmers to use organic fertilizers, plant trees along roadsides and around schools and colleges, keep rivers and canals clean, dispose of waste at designated places and reduce the use of plastic and polythene. They also highlighted the importance of collecting and verifying information, consulting community members, organizing awareness campaigns, planting trees along riverbanks and discouraging sand extraction from riverbanks. They agreed that environmental protection begins with personal awareness and responsible action.
Following the problem analysis and discussion of possible solutions, participants developed a two-month action plan. They decided to take initiatives to expand the Youth Green Club by forming committees at union level, beginning with Betila Union in November. They also planned tree-planting activities around bus stands, terminals and educational institutions, alongside awareness campaigns to prevent plastic pollution in the Beutha River. To address water pollution associated with boal fish farming in the river, they planned to submit a memorandum to the relevant government department. A bicycle rally was also proposed to promote climate justice and highlight the importance of a successful COP31.
Participants believe that forming committees at union level will expand the club’s membership and strengthen its organizational capacity. They also expect coordination between union and district committees to help build a broader youth-led movement for agroecology and climate justice in Manikganj. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to all 32 participants, recognizing their participation and commitment to taking forward the proposed initiatives.