Experts and local leaders have emphasised the crucial role of youth in addressing climate-related challenges and driving locally-led adaptation in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).
During an inception meeting of the youth group under the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC), held at Rangamati Hill District Council on Tuesday, speakers stressed the urgent need for young people to take action in safeguarding water sources, promoting sustainable bamboo cultivation, and phasing out harmful teak plantations.
Around 120 young leaders from various parts of Rangamati district participated in the event.
The event marked a significant step in mobilising youth participation to safeguard the region's future and address the pressing climate challenges facing the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Agriculturist Kajol Talukder, chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council, attended as the chief guest, while Md Shahzahan, Deputy Director of the Youth Development Authority, joined as the special guest.
The meeting also featured LoGIC Project Monitoring Specialist TM Selim, District Coordinator for Climate Change Amena Yasmin, Youth Engagement Coordinator Shakila Islam, and Chattogram District Coordinator Poppy Akter.
All speakers highlighted the importance of collaboration and active youth involvement to ensure the region's resilience to climate change.
Before the meeting, a climate procession was held, starting from Shilpakala Academy and concluding at the District Council premises. The procession, organized by local youth, called for urgent action to address environmental challenges in the region.
In his address, Rangamati Hill District Chairman Kajol warned about the ongoing environmental crisis, citing the impact of unregulated teak plantations and the destruction of bamboo groves, which have led to the drying up of vital streams and waterfalls, such as the Subalong waterfall.
He said, "This crisis is not only threatening the region's water supply but also the traditional ecological balance that has sustained local communities for generations."
Talukder explained that teak plantations, which are harmful to local vegetation and wildlife, have contributed significantly to the decline of crucial water sources.
He also expressed concerns over the diminishing bamboo groves, which once played a vital role in the local economy and traditional architecture. Bamboo was once plentiful in areas like Sajek, where it supported industries such as the Karnaphuli Paper Mill.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, called for the urgent implementation of youth-led adaptation strategies to address the growing impacts of climate change. "Youth must take the lead in implementing solutions that not only protect the environment but also improve the livelihoods of local communities," Rahman said.
He urged local governments to provide better training, resources, and support to empower youth in their climate action efforts.
The meeting concluded with a call to shift focus toward promoting bamboo plantations over teak and raising public awareness about the importance of safeguarding water sources and preserving the cultural heritage of the Chattogram Hill Tracts.