Eco Wetland Revival

As a riverine nation, Bangladesh encounters significant challenges due to the drying up of rivers and wetlands. The Eco Wetland Revival project is dedicated to restoring the Mayuri River by tackling water pollution, enhancing waste management systems, raising community awareness, and improving local livelihoods. The project’s primary issue is the habitual disposal of waste into the river, which necessitated extensive efforts to shift mindsets and foster sustainable practices. Its objectives include cleaning the river, restoring its flow and biodiversity, enhancing the economic conditions of local bazaars, and implementing effective waste management solutions for riverine communities. Although the project faces challenges such as limited funding to cover the extensive 11.69 km stretch of the river and changing ingrained behaviors, it has successfully cleaned the river, improved water quality, eliminated foul odors, and revitalized the local fisheries profession. The areas surrounding the river, including a channel flowing through a local university, now exhibit revitalized ecosystems, with shopkeepers reporting increased satisfaction and community health flourishing.

The Eco Wetland Revival project has achieved notable success in enhancing the river’s ecosystem while benefiting the local community through various initiatives. The clearing of a substantial area along the Mayuri River has significantly reduced toxic levels and foul odors, thereby improving aquatic habitats and leading to a resurgence in local fishing activities. Additionally, the installation of three dustbins for shopkeepers has effectively curtailed direct waste disposal into the river. The surrounding community has responded positively, with local residents committed to preventing further pollution and students actively maintaining their campuses through proper disposal techniques. This increased environmental awareness has been bolstered by online seminars aimed at raising global consciousness about the project, as well as initiatives from local organizations to clean the roads adjacent to the river. Ultimately, the restoration efforts have ensured that the river’s pathways and the channel flowing into Khulna University Campus remain clean and unobstructed, reflecting the project’s motto, “Clean River, Green Future,” through tangible improvements to both the river’s health and the community’s well-being.

TEAM MEMBERS:

• Md Abdul Khaleq Sarker Rabbeny
• Israt Jahan Shahrin
• Nishat Jahan Nadira
• Sumaiya Afrin Arthi