Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury revealed on Thursday (March 7) that Bangladesh has witnessed the extinction of 31 wildlife species over the past century.

He said: “Our environment is in danger today due to various reasons. From herds of wild elephants to birds and even sea creatures are facing threats… Extinction and endangerment of wildlife is disrupting the balance of nature, which is also adversely affecting humans. Protecting wildlife and ecosystems has therefore become not only useful, but imperative.”

The minister was addressing a press conference while inaugurating the Wildlife Olympiad-2024 organised for the first time in the country, read a press release.

With the slogan “Smart youth will save the forest,” secondary and higher secondary students are taking part in the event to encourage the protection of wildlife and various ecosystems and conservation of wildlife. 

“…Wildlife Olympiad will play an important role in making people of all professions come forward and also make teenagers aware,” Saber said.

In the press conference, he answered various questions from the journalists and inaugurated the logo, poster, booklet, and website of the Wildlife Olympiad.

This year district level Olympiad will be held in 64 venues with the participation of about lakhs of students across the country.

All secondary, higher secondary, technical, madrasah or equivalent students from class VIII to XII in two categories can participate in this Olympiad in the school/college category. The national-level Olympiad will be organised in Dhaka with district-level winners.

Students can register from 7 March to 10 May at www.bfdwlo.org. The district-level Olympiad will be held from 10 May to 10 July. All district-level participants will get e-certificates. The district-level winners will get T-shirts, certificates, and medals.

Winners of the national phase will also receive T-shirts, certificates, and medals. The first, second, and third winners of each category in the national phase will get Tk50,000, Tk30,000, and Tk20,000, respectively.

Additional Secretary (Environment and Development) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Fahmida Khanam, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, and Sustainable Forest and Livelihood Project Director Gobinda Roy were present at the press conference among others.

BDST: 1822 HRS, MAR 07, 2024
MN/SMS