Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)

A day-long 'Mangrove Convention' was held in Kuakata, calling on the youth to be more active in conserving mangrove forests to protect the coastal environment, biodiversity and human livelihoods.

The convention was organized on Sunday at the President Park Hotel and Resort in Kuakata. The convention was organized by Youth for Ocean (Y40) and in collaboration with Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Mission Green Bangladesh, LEDARS and Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation (BBCF).

The event, which began at 10 am, discussed the role of youth in conserving mangrove forests, protecting the coastal environment, and combating the effects of climate change.

Mohan Kumar Mandal, Executive Director of LEDARS, highlighted the context and importance of mangrove conservation at the event. Alhaj ABM Mosharraf Hossain, Member of Parliament from Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali) constituency, was virtually involved in the first session as the chief guest. Dr. Molla Rezaul Karim, Conservator of Forests of Barisal Coastal Circle of the Bangladesh Forest Department, and Ruman Imtiaz Tushar, President of Kuakata Press Club, were present as special guests.

Besides, representatives of various government and private organizations, universities, environmental organizations and media participated in the convention. Special guests included Professor Dr. Md. Alamgir Kabir of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Divisional Forest Officer of Patuakhali Coastal Forest Division Dr. Md. Zahidur Rahman Mia, Upazila Executive Officer of Kalapara Md. Arifuzzaman and officials of various related organizations.

On the other hand, Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury was present as the chief guest in the second session of the conference. In his speech as the chief guest, the Deputy Commissioner called on the youth and students to come forward to protect the environment, including the mangrove forest.

Speaking at the convention, Waterkeepers Bangladesh Coordinator Sharif Jamil said, "We need to spread the importance of mangroves among children. If we cannot protect mangroves, we will lose both the sea and the land."

He also said that the importance of mangroves in protecting the coastal environment and human existence is immense. Future generations must be made aware of the importance of mangrove conservation from now on. If children and youth can be involved in the movement to protect the environment, it is possible to bring about long-term positive changes in mangrove conservation.

The technical session of the Convention on the Role of Mangroves was held under the theme 'The Role of Mangroves in Protecting the Environment, Biodiversity and Livelihoods'. It discussed the causes of mangrove forest destruction, coastal ecosystems and the importance of marine and coastal literacy in sustainable development.

Teachers, researchers, and environmental activists working in oceanography, environmental science, aquaculture, and biodiversity conservation participated in the session.
The panelists included Professor Dr. Mohammad Muslem Uddin, former chairman of the Department of Oceanography at Chittagong University, Assistant Professor Mir Mohammad Ali of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Professor Dr. Abdullah Harun Chowdhury of Khulna University, and Associate Professor Md. Ashiqur Rahman of Patuakhali University of Science and Technology, among others.

At the conference, young people shared their experiences from different coastal areas. The young representatives highlighted the mangrove forests in their respective areas and the relationship between people's lives and livelihoods. In addition to reducing the damage caused by coastal disasters in Satkhira, Khulna, Patharghata, Taltali, Barguna, they also created livelihood opportunities for local people through various natural resources including fish, crabs, honey, etc.