On the fourth day of the 2016 Waterkeeper Alliance global conference, Buriganga Riverkeeper, Surma River Waterkeeper, Khowai River Waterkeeper and London Waterkeeper have founded The Waterkeepers Bangladesh and London Waterkeeper Partnership.
The partnership will work together to protect the rivers and waters of Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, and will highlight the unique value and current condition of the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
We will engage non-resident Bangladeshis and environmental advocates in Britain and help them promote greater efforts to protect rivers and wetlands in both countries.
A series of meetings will be held this September to establish the Waterkeepers Bangladesh Network in London. With more than 200,000 non-resident Bangladeshis in London, the Partnership hopes that they will speak up for rivers and water bodies around the World.
Early in 2017 a UK conference will be hosted by Waterkeeper Alliance, London Waterkeeper and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
The two day conference will discuss the rivers of Sylhet Division and the plight of the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh said “Non-resident Bangladeshis have a strong influence on Bangladesh’s government and an emotional link with its rivers. They can be a powerful voice for the protection of the environment in both countries.”
Theo Thomas, London Waterkeeper said “London’s connection with Bangladesh means people in the city are in a great position to speak up for its rivers and the Sundarbans. The Bangladeshi origin community in London can play a key role in the quest to preserve these vital waters.”
Marc Yaggi, executive director of Waterkeeper Alliance, added “Waterkeeper Alliance is thrilled that Waterkeepers Bangladesh and London Waterkeeper formed this partnership at our Annual Conference. These connections strengthen our movement and help protect waterways and communities around the world.”
Photo shows(left to right): Khowai River Waterkeeper, Tofazzal Sohel; Surma River Waterkeeper, Abdul Karim Kim; Waterkeeper Alliance Executive Director, Marc Yaggi; Waterkeeper Alliance International Director, Sharon Khan; London Waterkeeper, Theo Thomas; Waterkeeper Alliance President, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Buriganga Riverkeeper, Sharif Jamil.
For more information please contact:
Sharif Jamil: [email protected]
Theo Thomas: [email protected]