Wildlife hunting, trafficking must be stopped to protect biodiversity: Rizwana

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasised the need to end wildlife hunting, capturing, and trafficking to protect biodiversity.

She called for the preservation of all wildlife, including tigers and elephants, putting emphasis on stopping deforestation to save existing forests.

“Small initiatives for environmental protection can lead to significant change,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at the national closing ceremony of the 'Wildlife Olympiad' held at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka on Saturday.

As a former student of the educational institution, Rizwana shared various memories and mentioned that an initiative would be taken to designate an old tree at the institution as a memorial tree.

The adviser further highlighted the message of conservation being spread through the Wildlife Olympiad, emphasising the vision for a green and beautiful Bangladesh for future generations.

She mentioned various measures taken to protect Bangladesh’s only coral island, St Martin’s, and urged people to avoid using plastic bags, and unnecessary honking, and to save electricity by turning off fans and lights during the day time.

Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the environment ministry, attended the event as a special guest. Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury presided over the programme, and Viqarunnisa Noon School and College Principal Majeda Begum was also present.

The event showcased the Olympiad's theme song and a musical drama, followed by a pledge against wildlife poaching. All participating students received T-shirts, certificates, and gift items, while winners in each category were awarded cash prizes of Tk50,000, Tk30,000, and Tk20,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively.

This year’s Olympiad drew 1,07,000 students nationwide, registered both online and offline. The district rounds took place across the country, with the Forest Department awarding prizes and certificates to district-level winners.

Prior to the event, the Adviser laid the foundation stone for a six-story academic building and inaugurated an eight-story ICT building at the institution.