On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh jointly organized a leadership development training session inside and around the Sundarbans, aiming to empower local communities in environmental conservation. The training emphasized the urgent need to curb water pollution caused by illegal fishing and the intrusion of salinity into agricultural lands due to unregulated shrimp farming. Participants engaged in discussions on sustainable practices, river conservation, and policy advocacy to protect the Sundarbans ecosystem.

The session was presided over by Md. Noor Alam Sheikh, Coordinator of Sundarban Rokhhay Amra, who stressed the critical role of local leadership in safeguarding this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sharif Jamil, Central Member Secretary of DHORA, attended as the chief guest, highlighting the alarming threats facing the Sundarbans, including industrial pollution and deforestation. He urged collective action from communities, policymakers, and conservationists to ensure the long-term protection of Bangladesh’s largest mangrove forest.

The training also provided a platform for local activists, fishermen, and environmentalists to share experiences and strategize effective solutions for preserving the Sundarbans' delicate ecosystem.

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