Mukti Cox’s Bazar Celebrates International Environment Day-2024

Advocating for Land Restoration and Climate Resilience

On 05 June 2024, Mukti Cox’s Bazar celebrated International Environment Day under the project “DFAT AHP Bangladesh Rohingya Response Phase IV Inclusive.” This initiative, implemented by Mukti Cox’s Bazar with the technical support from Oxfam in Bangladesh and funded by Australian Aid, aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues, climate smart model village development, livelihood, and income generation. The vibrant event took place at Naikyangkhali High School at Hnila Union in Teknaf Upazila.

Activities included competitions, discussion meetings, poetry recitations, and a quiz competition. The theme for International Environment Day-2024 was “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.” Mr. Syed Lutful Kabir Chowdhury, Deputy Chief Executive of Mukti Cox’s Bazar, emphasized the importance of addressing marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development, and wildlife crime.

World Environment Day serves as a global platform for public outreach. Mukti Cox’s Bazar actively promotes awareness, capacity development, and social dialogue through its “Just Transition” approach. As agricultural land in Bangladesh is gradually diminishing due to factors like drought, urbanization, and industrial expansion, the need for sustainable practices becomes critical. A study predicts that by 2050, 90% of agricultural land may become unusable due to climate change. The driving forces behind desertification include modern agricultural practices, adaptation to adverse environments, mineral extraction, deforestation, industrialization, advanced transportation systems, and shifts in land use. Addressing the students, Mr. Chowdhury encouraged them to embody positive qualities and play a vital role in environmental protection.

Shah Alam Noori, President of Naikyongkhali High School, praised the spontaneous participation and eloquent speeches by teachers and students during the event. He commended Mukti Cox’s Bazar for their timely efforts in raising awareness about climate change and adaptation. Other notables, including Md. Belal Hossain (UP member) and Rahnuma Akhtar (reserved UP member, Hnila Union Parishad), were also present.

The event witnessed the active engagement of over three hundred students from Naikyongkhali High School, along with teachers and community facilitators from Mukti Cox’s Bazar. The president expressed gratitude to the organization and called for more such programs to enhance awareness and environmental consciousness.