Today, July 28, is World Nature Conservation Day. This day is observed every year to highlight the importance of protecting the Earth's forests, rivers, water, soil, wildlife, and biodiversity.

The day carries the message that a healthy environment is the foundation of human well-being and a sustainable future.

However, on this day dedicated to nature conservation, concerns regarding the country's environment are mounting.

Climate change, deforestation, river pollution, the plastic menace, and unplanned urbanization are continuously disrupting environmental balance, impacting human health, agriculture, economy, and biodiversity.

According to media sources, the country's coastal mangrove forests are facing severe threats.

In Cox's Bazar's Sonadia Island, embankments have been constructed along riverbanks, sluice gates installed, and arrangements made to retain saline water for tiger shrimp enclosures (ghers).

To build these enclosures, vast mangrove forests across the northern and southern parts of the island are being cleared.

In some areas, old trees have been cut down and cleared, while preparations to burn newly felled trees are underway in others. Satellite images and drone footage have also revealed widespread destruction of this forest.

Environmentalists point out that mangrove forests are not only coastal landscapes but also act as natural shields against cyclones and storm surges.

At the same time, they serve as safe habitats for numerous fish, crabs, shrimp, and wildlife. Destroying these forests will severely endanger both coastal biodiversity and the environment.

Media reports indicate that environmentalists are also deeply concerned by an initiative to construct a waste transfer station inside Gazipur's Bhawal National Park.

Experts fear that establishing such a facility in the middle of a protected Sal forest could pose a major threat to the environment and wildlife.

In an interview with media, M.K.M. Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer for the Bhawal Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department, stated that regular dumping of industrial waste, medical waste, household garbage, plastic, and other hazardous materials would severely pollute the air, soil, and environment.

Spanning nearly 5,000 hectares of Sal forest, Bhawal National Park is an important habitat for deer, wild boars, mongooses, and various species of birds and reptiles.

At the same time, this forest plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, protecting groundwater levels, and maintaining environmental balance around Dhaka.

However, deforestation is raising concerns not just in Bhawal, but across various regions of the country.

To conserve nature, experts recommend cultivating a few simple habits, such as planting and caring for trees regularly, reducing plastic use, preventing electricity and water waste, walking or cycling for short distances, avoiding throwing waste into rivers, canals, and water bodies, protecting wildlife, and teaching children to be environmentally conscious from an early age.

According to experts, protecting nature is not solely the responsibility of governments or environmental organizations; it is the duty of every citizen.

Planting trees, reducing plastic use, preventing the waste of electricity and water, keeping rivers and canals clean, protecting wildlife, and raising environmental awareness among children from an early age can play a significant role in nature conservation.

Experts emphasize that protecting nature means gifting a safe world to future generations.

Therefore, rather than just observing a single day, small daily conscious efforts can become the greatest strength in nature conservation.