A discussion and tree-planting program marking World Environment Day was held in Paikgachha, Khulna, on Sunday morning, June 7. The NGO Awsed and the Upazila Climate Justice Forum jointly organized the event at the Alter Project office.
Themed "Inspired by Nature, Protecting the Environment is Our Commitment," the session was chaired by the Forum's Vice President, Akhil Kumar Mondal, and moderated by General Secretary and journalist Md. Abdul Aziz. Awsed’s Program Head, Shankar Ranjan Sarkar, delivered the welcome speech, while Deputy Executive Director Helen Khatun attended as the special guest.
During the event, Team Leader Md. Salauddin Apu presented a paper covering the impacts of climate change, the need for climate justice, disaster prevention, and strategies to improve local living standards.
Speakers highlighted the severe vulnerabilities of the coastal region. They noted that due to its geographical location, Paikgachha and surrounding areas face constant threats from storms, tidal surges, and rising salinity. They stressed that large-scale tree plantation and strict environmental protection are crucial to mitigating these disasters. Furthermore, they urged developed nations to ensure climate justice and called for greater environmental awareness at the community level.
Following the discussion, officials and forum leaders planted fruit tree saplings at Shaheed Gafur Government Primary School in the Upazila Sadar.
Other speakers and attendees included Upazila Climate Justice Forum members Biswajit Bhattacharya, Dr. Basudeb Roy, Shyamapada Mondal, Subhash Chandra Mondal, Sheikh Julie, Nur Islam Gazi, Manik Bhadra, Abdullah Al Mamun, and Nurunnahar. Awsed officials Mostaq Hasan, Suman Biswas, Jeebitesh Mondal, Shuvankar Biswas, Nasreen Nahar, and Supriya Mondal were also present.
