31. July 2026
Author and photo credit: Kazi Md. Shoeb Amran, Tdh Bangladesh
World Environment Day is commemorated annually on 5th June and provides a global platform for governments, organizations, institutions, and communities to come together to address environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. The SWSC Project Team of Tdh Bangladesh continuously collaborates with local government representatives and frontline healthcare providers to promote community-led environmental stewardship and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. As a part of this effort World Environment Day was celebrated on 5 June 2026 at Maheshkhaliya Para Community Clinic and within the surrounding host community. The event was organized in line with this year’s global theme:
“Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
The celebration aimed to raise awareness of environmental challenges and inspire community members to adopt practical and sustainable actions to protect the environment. It also strengthened collaboration between community members and key local system actors, demonstrating how local institutions can work together to promote environmental awareness and strengthen community resilience to climate change.
Key Messages Highlighted During the Event
Environmental degradation poses significant risks to both ecosystems and human well-being. In the project area, communities are increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, water scarcity, and increasing pressure on agriculture and public health. These challenges highlight the importance of collective action to conserve natural resources, promote renewable energy, protect forests and biodiversity and encourage environmentally responsible practices to build more resilient communities.
Awareness Activities
The event brought together community members alongside key local system actors, including the Community Health Care Provider (CHCP)[1] and an elected local government representative (Union Parishad[2] Member).
Through interactive awareness sessions and community discussions, these local system actors shared practical knowledge and encouraged participants to become active partners in protecting the environment and building climate-resilient communities.
The Community Health Care Provider delivered an informative session highlighting:
- The urgent need to address climate change and its impact on community health;
- The importance of tree planting to improve air quality, reduce heat, and maintain ecological balance;
- The harmful effects of single-use polythene on soil, water bodies, drainage systems, and public health; and
- The role of every individual and household.
Ms. Momtaz Begum, Union Parishad member (elected local government), emphasized the important role of local government in mobilizing communities and supporting environmental protection initiatives.
She highlighted the global impacts and local consequences of climate change and the resulting challenges for livelihoods, agriculture, and public health. She stressed that these challenges require collective action and close collaboration among community members, local government institutions, and healthcare service providers.
Both speakers encouraged participants to adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives to help create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for the next generation:
- Planting and caring for trees
- Reducing plastic use e.g. by carrying reusable bags instead of single-use plastic bags
- Segregating household waste and disposing of it responsibly
- Conserving water and avoiding unnecessary wastage
- Protecting local natural resources
- Keeping homes and surrounding public spaces clean
- Participating in community-led environmental and cleanliness initiatives
Conclusion of the event
The active involvement of local system actors enhanced the credibility of the awareness sessions and reinforced community ownership of environmental protection efforts. Participants actively participated in the sessions and demonstrated an increased understanding of the local impacts of climate change. Further, they expressed their commitment to adopting environmentally responsible practices, including reducing plastic use, planting trees, conserving water, managing waste responsibly, and maintaining cleaner surroundings. The event concluded with a collective pledge from participants to continue working together toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
[1] The Community Health Care Provider (CHCP) is a government frontline healthcare professional responsible for delivering primary healthcare services while promoting preventive health education and community awareness.
[2] The Union Parishad is the lowest tier of local government in Bangladesh, and its elected representatives play a vital role in local governance, community development, and public awareness initiatives.