Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 19, 2025 (BSS)- Integrated efforts of all the government, non-government and volunteer youth organizations concerned can be the crucial means of protecting agricultural lands, biodiversity and ecosystem from the adverse impact of climate change.

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, particularly the Barind region. 

Academics, researchers and youth leaders made the observations while addressing a daylong 'National Green Coalition Conference 2025' here yesterday emphasizing the role of youth in addressing climate change and protecting the environment.

Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) actively involved in organizing various meetings and events focusing on life and nature protection, organized the conference at Rajshahi Divisional Ethnic Minority Cultural Academy in the city.

The daylong event was marked by a rally, four public hearings on urban crises and youths' urban reformation, life struggle and crises of marginalized populations, farmers' rights, pension and subsidy and gender equality and discussion meeting.

Zoologist Prof Bidhan Chandra Das, Chairman of the Department of Anthropology at Rajshahi University Prof Kazi Rabiul Alam and Associate Professor of the same department Abhijit Roy and Anthropologist Syed Ali Bishwas addressed the event as resource persons disseminating their expertise on the issue.

BARCIK Director Pavel Partha and its regional coordinator Shahidul Islam and urban researcher Jahangir Alam also spoke on the occasion.

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. 

Around 350 people both male and female consisting of farmers, youth leaders, social watchdogs and contributors and volunteers from the country's six agro-environment regions joined the conference.

On the occasion, 11 professional and youth organizations and 10 individuals were awarded for their laudable contribution to the field of protecting life and nature, agro-environment and mitigating the adverse impact of climate change.
 
Besides, six youths were given crests as recognition of creating video content on the existing urban crises and prospects in Rajshahi city.

Apart from this, two journalists, including Dr Md Aynal Haque, Special Correspondent of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), were given BARCIK Media Award 2025 as recognition of their writings on urban climate and rights of marginalized people.