'Preserve Sundarbans bio-diversity'

But the biggest mangrove forest in the world is being threatened now because of plunder.

Sundarbans' existence with its natural diversity and resources is essential not only for Bangladesh but also for the world, they said.

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The discussion on "Life and livelihood of the people living on the outskirts of the Sundarbans'' was jointly organised by Biswas Foundation and Coastal Development Partners. It was held at the conference room of the Biswas Foundation.

The speakers said the forest is being plundered in the name of earning livelihood now. This must stop.

Former chairman of Debhata Upazila Parishad Abdur Rahman presided over the discussion, participated by, among others, Parulia Union Parishad Chairman Golam Faruk Babu, and its members Siful Islam, Moazzem Hossain, Abul Hossain, Salma Mahabbat, Basonti Rani, Fatema Kulsum, Alfatunnesa and Zahangir Alam.

They emphasised the need for creating awareness among the people living around the Sundarbans to preserve its resources and the bio diversity.

A social movement should be launched to protect the Sundarbans and its resources because if the plunder continues unabated, the forest will be destroyed some day.

They also stressed the need for concerted efforts by government and non-government organisation to create awareness among the Sundarban beneficiaries to utilise its resources more gainfully maintaining the bio-diversity.