February 14th in Bangladesh signifies more than just Valentine's Day; it's also Sundarbans Day (সুন্দরবন দিবস), a momentous occasion revered by environmental organizations throughout the country.
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| Fahmida Najnin, an environmental activist, invites people to protect the Sundarbans on the Sundarbans Day, February 14, 2024 in front of the National Museum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She is an active member of the Green Voice. |
This day holds profound significance in the realm of conservation and ecological awareness, marking a collective commitment to safeguarding the Sundarbans, a natural treasure of Bangladesh.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest, sprawling across approximately 140,000 hectares, stands as one of the world's largest mangrove ecosystems. Nestled within the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal, its landscape is adorned with a mosaic of tidal waterways, mudflats, and salt-tolerant mangrove forests. This natural marvel, adjacent to India's Sundarbans World Heritage site, serves as an emblem of ongoing ecological processes and unparalleled biodiversity.
The genesis of Sundarbans Day traces back to February 14, 2001, when the inaugural National Sundarban Conference convened under the banner of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA). Collaborating with Khulna University, Rupantor, and Parash, the conference brought together 70 environmentalist organizations from across Bangladesh. It was during this historic gathering that February 14th was officially designated as 'Sundarban Day,' marking a pivotal moment in the nation's commitment to biodiversity conservation.
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| Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Celebrates the Sundarbans Day on February 14, 2024. |
The Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF), encompassing an area of 10,000 square kilometers, sprawls across the southwestern region of Bangladesh. Stretching between the rivers Baleswar and Harinbanga, this mangrove expanse extends its embrace to the Bay of Bengal. Sixty percent of the reserve lies within Bangladesh, with the remaining portion residing in India, reflecting a shared commitment to conservation across borders.
Sundarbans is renowned for its rich fauna, boasting 260 bird species, the magnificent Bengal tiger, and other endangered inhabitants such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python. Its unique ecosystem, intersected by tidal influences and brackish waters, showcases nature's resilience and adaptability in the face of dynamic environmental conditions.
Sundarbans Day serves as a beacon of hope amidst these challenges. It's a rallying cry for collective action, a call to arms for government agencies, NGOs, academia, and communities to unite in safeguarding our natural heritage. Through seminars, workshops, and tree-planting campaigns, the day fosters awareness and instills a sense of stewardship among people.
As people commemorate Sundarbans Day each year, let's reaffirm our commitment to the preservation of this ecological marvel. Let's honor the dedication of those who toil tirelessly to conserve the Sundarbans and ensure its splendor endures for generations to come. Together, let's weave a tapestry of sustainability, where human prosperity harmonizes with nature's bounty, celebrating the spirit of Sundarbans Day with reverence and resolve.
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