Rajshahi: Speakers at a meeting viewed that community support can be the crucial means of curbing plastic pollution as it is affecting both environment and agriculture in the region badly. They mentioned that the present interim government is very much positive to reduce the plastic pollution so the public in general should support the government endeavour wholeheartedly. These were revealed by experts and development activists at a public engagement meeting to maintain ecological balance and protect the vulnerable communities from the adverse impact of climate change and environmental degradation at Mohar village under Tanore Upazila in the district on Wednesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, DASCOH Foundation and NETZ Bangladesh organized the workshop, co-funded by the European Union (EU), as part of their project titled “Environmental Human Rights for a Just Transition: Strengthened Local CSOs Transforming Climate Hotspots into Resilient Communities (ENGAGE).” The meeting aimed to address the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, focusing on the Barind region, which, despite its ecological diversity, faces significant challenges related to water scarcity and climate change effects.
Upazila Forest Officer Sarwar Jahan, EU Representative Hubert Blom, Chief Executive Officer of DASCOH Foundation Akramul Haque, NETZ Bangladesh Director Shahidul Islam, and its representative Sara Khatun shared their expertise on the issue. DASCOH Foundation Project Director Jahangir Alam Khan provided an overview of the project, detailing its goals, objectives, and implementation strategy. The project is being executed in Tanore and Godagari Upazilas in Rajshahi district, and Manda and Mohadevpur Upazilas in Naogaon district, with the main focus on raising awareness among communities and public authorities.
Hubert Blom emphasized that climate change poses a serious threat to the overall living and livelihood conditions in the region, including the Barind tract. He urged policy planners and other stakeholders to take immediate measures to address the adverse impact caused by global warming. Integrated efforts from both government and non-government organizations are crucial in addressing these crises and protecting the displaced population.
Akramul Haque highlighted the negative impact of plastic-dependent agricultural practices on soil fertility and water systems, which disrupts the natural environmental balance. Shahidul Islam pointed out that plastic use not only threatens the environment but also destroys indigenous agricultural knowledge, local culture, and traditional health practices.