Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at Alliance Francaise de Dhaka in Dhanmondi. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 5, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser
Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said creative storytelling and visual arts can play
a powerful role in shaping the next generation of eco-conscious citizens amid
a time of environmental crisis.

She made the remark while speaking at a programme titled "IKRIMIKRI: A Realm
of Imagination - the World of Picture Books", at Alliance Fran‡aise de Dhaka,
Dhanmondi.

Calling such initiatives as more than mere cultural engagements, the
environment adviser observed, "Programmes like storytelling with pictures are
not just cultural events - they are investments in our planet's future."

In her remarks, she underscored the transformative potential of picture books
in environmental education.

"Picture books are not just stories with pictures," Rizwana said.

"They are gateways to empathy, curiosity, and respect for the natural world.
When we introduce children to the beauty of wildlife and nature through such
creative formats, we plant the seeds of environmental stewardship," she said.

Urging society to foster a compassionate bond between children and the
environment, she said, "Let children grow up loving nature, not fearing it."

The event celebrated the imaginative power of picture books in shaping young
minds and featured a compelling exhibition of illustrations centered on
wildlife and the natural world.

Rizwana lauded the initiative for crafting a space where creativity and
environmental consciousness converge.

Drawing a vibrant and intergenerational audience of children, parents,
educators, and artists, the programme showcased vivid depictions of forests,
rivers, and endangered species - sparking meaningful conversations around
biodiversity, climate change, and conservation in a language children could
both understand and feel.
In collaboration with local educators and illustrators, IKRIMIKRI stood as a
testament to the power of visual storytelling in nurturing future guardians
of the Earth.