Greening Kuakata: When Youth Came Together to Protect Coastal Biodiversity

Kuakata sea beach in our country is popularly known as the "Daughter of the Sea" for its scenic beauty. The seaside was threatened by unchecked tourism. However, a collective effort of the youth prevented the loss, showing how a united effort can speak a thousand words with its action.

The sea beach used to be a safe nest for Sea birds, Crabs, sea turtles, and marine fish. Bike riding, a popular form of entertainment during tourist season, disrupted the harmony. Coupled with plastic pollution and an unplanned waste management system, the entire biodiversity of life on land was at stake.

But the youth came to the rescue.

A youth-led initiative, Green Kuakata Youth Campaign, emerged to restore ecological balance and promote sustainable tourism practices. This initiative's specialty was that one group of youth targeted another group to raise awareness.

Young volunteers conducted awareness sessions in schools, marketplaces, and tourist zones to educate locals and visitors about the importance of biodiversity and the dangers of plastic waste. They also installed educational signage in key areas to encourage responsible behaviour. Collaboration with local hotel owners and vendors helped introduce more eco-friendly waste disposal systems.

With support from the Coastal Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Bangladesh (CBESB) project, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and UNDP, with funding from the Republic of Korea, they became able to make people understand the importance of protecting biodiversity.

The initiative did not just raise awareness among the local people; they became empowered with local knowledge. They relied on the locals' understanding of the ecosystem and trusted their ideas for conservation. This is how the grassroots effort has now reached more than 4,500 people.

The campaign continues to inspire young people in nearby coastal areas to take action in their own communities.

When youth unite, they turn awareness into action, protecting Kuakata’s coast and proving that local knowledge can drive lasting change.