Coastal region requires attention to the goals that are set to achieve environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources. In this need, the Blue Planet Initiative (BPI) 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 line with the target, a day-long workshop was conducted on 10th October 2020 at Kalapara, Patuakhali. The event aimed to inform and share the necessity of protecting rivers and water bodies to ensure sustainable development in the coastal region of Bangladesh, particularly at Kalapara. The event took place at the auditorium of Muktizuddha Square and was participated by representatives of various local organizers, civil society members, beneficiaries, and media personnel. Upazila Chairman inaugurated the workshop and the President of Kalapara Press Club presided over the workshop. Representatives from the Waterkeepers Bangladesh, S M Arafat (Manager, Research, and Implementation) was present as a special guest.

The discussants demonstrated the urgent need to save the Andhar Manik River which is the lifeline of local people. Kolapara Upazila faces unprecedented challenges due to many new bridges constructed over the rivers.