Stop the ecocide of Dhaka

In a few short decades, the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, has transformed from a small hub of government activities into one of the most densely populated cities in the world, absorbing over 1.5 million new migrants every year. These new residents are largely rural farmers driven out of the countryside by poverty and flocking to the city in search of better fortunes. The results of this frenetic pace of growth are having severe ecological consequences for the city and its people.

In duality of urban park, green spaces in the ever-sprawling Dhaka city are subject to increasing pressure due to habitat destruction as urban gardens and parks are being lost to infrastructure development. Old green areas have largely disappeared. Habitats for countless species are being forced to relocate, putting pressure on existing ecosystems. At the same time, urban wildlife is losing its habitats at a time when it faces increased threats. Instead of the playfulness of birds singing and flitting about, one is more likely to encounter the sounds of chaos of cars and construction.

The loss of biodiversity in Dhaka has far-reaching impacts, including pollution of the air and water that local people and wildlife must use to survive. The city's air quality has deteriorated dramatically in recent years as a result of emissions from industries, vehicles and construction, causing serious health impacts to many people. Ecological considerations which were once seen as secondary, are increasingly irrelevant in the city. What is the point of more and more development if the result is bad air that threatens the health of local people?

Water quality in Dhaka has experienced a severe setback. The rapid urbanization and industrialization in the city have created serious threats to its surface and groundwater resources. Untreated human waste and industrial effluents from numerous factories and garment hubs are regularly discharged into the city's canals and rivers, which once played pivotal roles in enhancing urban life. Instead, Dhaka's canals and rivers now pose threats to humans and the surrounding biodiversity.

However, the real changes to our environment and ecosystem will ultimately depend on how individual businesses, industry leaders, and the citizens of Dhaka choose to move forward with sustainability. Local businesses can take the lead in adopting sustainable practices within their own daily operations, as well as by investing in green technology and growth.

We must protect Dhaka's ecosystems by addressing urbanization's impact on wildlife and habitats. As the city grows, we should promote policies that preserve green spaces and biodiversity. Rapid urbanization has severely damaged wetlands and waterways, making the Buriganga River one of the most polluted in the world. This pollution devastates fishing communities, reduces fish populations, threatens biodiversity, and endangers species like spotted deer and migratory birds. Dhaka's environmental degradation, including worsening air and water quality, causes health problems, especially for children. Addressing these challenges is crucial for our well-being and future.

The geospatial challenges in Dhaka are exacerbated by rapid urban sprawl, leading to inadequate urban planning and frequent failures of the drainage system during heavy rainfall. Many areas experience recurring floods, particularly in low-lying regions, which hampers economic and environmental growth. Flooding threatens local habitats and ecosystem services, such as water treatment and pollination. To achieve sustainable development, we must respect nature and biodiversity. Investing in green spaces, parks, and gardens in Dhaka is essential.

Incorporating nature into urban planning is critical, as cities are complex ecosystems. Features like parks, green roofs, and community gardens provide habitats for wildlife and essential services, such as air purification and flood risk reduction. They also promote physical and mental health for residents while fostering community interaction. As green urbanization expands, protecting the surrounding natural habitats is vital. Dhaka's unique and fragile biodiversity, supported by its rivers and wetlands, must be safeguarded to mitigate climate change impacts. Establishing protected areas and restoring degraded landscapes through collaborative management will enhance conservation efforts and allow natural systems to thrive amid urbanization.

However, the real changes to our environment and ecosystem will ultimately depend on how individual businesses, industry leaders, and the citizens of Dhaka choose to move forward with sustainability. Local businesses can take the lead in adopting sustainable practices within their own daily operations, as well as by investing in green technology and growth. Even the smallest businesses can make large impacts through waste reduction and conservation of water and resources, all while adopting sustainable supply chains and sourcing practices. Every citizen has a role to play in protecting Dhaka's natural systems and wildlife, through changes to their daily lives and continued dialogue and awareness about the issue of biodiversity loss in their communities.

Now is the time for all stakeholders in Dhaka-including policymakers, citizens, businesses, and the environment itself-to come together and take action. Governments should implement effective environmental legislation and engage in dialogue with both citizens and corporations on issues related to environmental sustainability. Businesses need to evolve from being merely corporate entities to fully embracing corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability as core principles of their operational models.

The city and its stakeholders must rethink the urban experience and create a new vision for a sustainable city and a livable environment that honors Dhaka's natural and built heritage. With a collective commitment and vision, Dhaka can become a city that is both brilliant and sustainable-a city that values and celebrates human ingenuity while preserving life on earth.