The event took place to raise awareness about the environment, utilizing natural resources appropriately and protecting our species. During the event, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Bangladesh Program, arranged an exhibition titled “Discover Ocean Giants”. The aim of the educational exhibition was to connect urban dwellers to the Bay of Bengal and the fishermen who risk their lives to feed our nation. The interactive exhibition inspired visitors to take action to protect the Ocean Giants and the marine environment by communicating fun facts and providing sensory experiences.
Fine Arts students from Jagannath University in Dhaka made life-sized models of sharks, rays and a marine turtle to enrich the exhibition display together with a collection of dolphin models. Through this exhibition, visitors were introduced to marine science and conservation. The sensory and visual experiences, facilitated by trained interpreters, allowed students to understand why these ancient creatures that roamed the earth before dinosaurs are important for sustaining a healthy ocean and a healthy environment. More than half of the world’s known shark species and their relatives are threatened or near threatened with extinction, because too many are being killed. Global and local demand drives national and international trade for shark and ray products, threatening many species in Bangladesh with extinction.
Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur stated, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to talk about Ocean Giants and current efforts to protect them in our waters. If we can inspire the next generation to protect our country’s marine wildlife and ecosystems, there is hope for healthy oceans and healthy people.”
All of the ISD students and teachers also attended an assembly in the auditorium to discuss all Earth Day topics and share student work from “Sharing Our Planet” units developed throughout the year. Regarding the event, Regine De Blegiers, Director of Teaching and Learning, ISD said, “All living things have an intrinsic value, and each plays a unique role in the complex web of life. It is our responsibility to work together and protect the endangered and threatened species. We are organizing this event to educate our students and staff, and to raise awareness about the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species and the causes and consequences of this phenomenon.”
