Mangrove Convention 2026: Youth Voices for Coastal Resilience
Kuakata, Patuakhali | 30 August 2026
To promote the conservation and restoration of Bangladesh’s coastal mangroves and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities, Youth4Ocean, in association with Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Mission Green Bangladesh, LEDARS Bangladesh and Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation (BBCF), organized the day-long Mangrove Convention 2026: Youth Voices for Coastal Resilience in Kuakata, Patuakhali including more than 200 participants. The convention brought together youth, environmental activists, researchers, experts, local community representatives, civil society members and policymakers to discuss the current state of coastal mangrove ecosystems, the challenges facing their conservation and restoration, and the role of local communities and young people in protecting these vital ecosystems.
Alhaj A.B.M. Mosharraf Hossain, MP, Patuakhali-4, attended the convention as the chief guest. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Patuakhali where Dr. Mollah Rezaul Karim, Conservator of Forests, Barishal Region, Bangladesh Forest Department, attended as Guest of Honor. The convention was chaired by Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Speakers emphasized that mangroves are not only Bangladesh’s natural defense against cyclones, storm surges and other climate-related risks but also critical to biodiversity, fisheries, food security and the livelihoods of millions of coastal people. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, climate change, commercial fisheries and salt production, unplanned development and urbanization, excessive resource extraction, disruption of natural water flows and pollution.
The speakers stressed that the protection of coastal mangroves cannot be ensured by the Forest Department or government institutions alone. Effective conservation requires coordinated action involving local communities, civil society, researchers, policymakers and young people. A draft declaration was developed by youths at the end of the convention which will be followed and implemented by them.
The convention concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen youth leadership and community participation, promote effective policy measures and advance long-term action for the conservation and restoration of Bangladesh’s coastal mangroves.
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