Coastal region requires attention to the goals that are set to achieve environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resource. In this need, Blue Planet Initiative (BPI) has introduced a project in 2020 under the title“Sustainable development in the coastal areas of Bangladesh”. Assisted by this project, Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) are jointly working for community mobilization and capacity building to protect the rivers and wetlands in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. In the line with the target, a day long workshop were conducted on 10th October, 2020 at Kalapara, Patuakhali. The aim of the event were to inform and to share the necessity of protecting rivers, waterbodies to ensure sustainable development in the coastal region of Bangladesh, particularly at Kalapara. The event took place at the auditorium of Muktizuddha Square and participated by representatives of various local organizers, civil society members, beneficiaries, and media personals. Upazila Chairman inaugurated the workshop and President, Kalapara press club presided the workshop. Representatives from the Waterkeepers Bangladesh, S M Arafat (Manager, Research and Implementation) were present as a special guest.
The discussants demonstrated the urgent need to save Andhar Manik River which is the life line of local people. Kolapara Upazila faces unprecedented challenges due to many new bridges constructed over the rivers.