Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Nov 5, 2025 (BSS) - Experts and youth leaders have stressed that raising voices and collective action are crucial to safeguarding biodiversity and the environment, particularly in drought-prone areas.

They called for urgent, integrated efforts by government agencies, non-government organizations, and volunteer youth groups to protect agricultural lands, ecosystems, and biodiversity from the adverse impacts of climate change.

The observations were made at a participatory meeting organized by the Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) at its office conference hall on the outskirts of Rajshahi. 

The session focused on the role of grassroots communities in environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Nature and river researcher Mahbub Siddiqui, BARCIK Regional Coordinator Shahidul Islam, women leader Rahima Begum, renowned farmer Nur Muhammad, social watchdog Mahmud Jamal Kadery, environment worker Nadim Sina, youth leader Atiqur Rahman and college teacher Asim Kumar Sarker addressed the meeting. 

They unanimously said unplanned industrialization and infrastructure development and grabbing of arable lands have been posing a serious threat to the agriculture, biodiversity and food security in the region. 

The speakers unequivocally called for addressing the threat of climate change to livelihoods besides emphasizing the need for renewable energy sources and sustainable water management. 

They also focused on raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment, including rivers, soil, and even human health. 

Utmost emphasis should be given on supporting farmers to adopt organic farming practices, promoting safe vegetable cultivation and highlighting its benefits for both health and income. 

Community participation, including organizing dialogues, rallies, and tree plantation events has become an urgent need to foster a sense of responsibility towards nature.