The journey from the bustling streets of Barishal to the tranquil, emerald waters of the Sundarbans is no short one—particularly when undertaken on two wheels. Yet for three European experts dedicated to sustainable development, the 160-kilometre cycling trek undertaken from 27 to 30 January 2026 proved to be the perfect prelude to experiencing the world’s largest mangrove forest.
This was more than a sightseeing tour; it was a meeting of minds focused on nature-positive construction.
The group brought together a unique blend of expertise:
Wolf Bierens: A Dutch biologist and avid bird watcher.
Niels van den Berge: An ecologist and former Member of Parliament from the Netherlands.
Raphaël Ascoli: A French architect specializing in bamboo housing.