Though unique, colourful, and beautiful, birds are often taken for granted and seldom receive human kindness, understanding, or protection. Some of those, however, can consider themselves to be lucky enough to be loved and taken care of by humans. And that is exactly what happened in Sherpur upazila of Bogra. Humanity and love have been aroused to such an extent that the upazila has become a safe sanctuary for birds. In the branches of big trees, birds of many kinds are weaving intricate nests and finding a safe haven undisturbed by predators, human or otherwise. It provides a unique spectacle of nature and humanity working in harmony.
Before the transformation, thoughtless bird hunters carrying air rifles were common in the area. Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of compassionate, bird-loving locals, Sherpur has become a flourishing bird sanctuary. Much of the credit goes to an organisation aptly named the Environment and Defense Agency (EDA).
Established in 2020, the EDA has been at the forefront of protecting the environment and biodiversity across ten unions of Sherpur Upazila and Sherpur Municipal Town. Their approach is comprehensive, extending beyond mere advocacy to hands-on intervention. They inform and educate the local population on the importance of preserving birds, the invaluable contribution they make to the environment, and provide care and medical attention to injured birds.
Cyclone Remal last May was particularly devastating for the local bird community in Sherpur. Heavy rains and strong winds battered their homes, destroying their hard-built nests. Among these were nests of doves and woodpeckers, with chicks that went crashing to the ground and were injured or killed. Despite having to address the myriad of problems Cyclone Remal gave them, the noble thoughts of local residents were with the hapless bird sanctuary. They alerted the EDA and provided assistance in every way they could in the rescue operation. The EDA members with the assistance of veterinarians and the local community, went into emergency overdrive and swiftly rescued and treated the injured birds at the Upazila Livestock Office.
Beyond the rescue operations, the EDA is also deeply involved in community outreach. They regularly meet with villagers and school students to spread awareness about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it. This proactive engagement has fostered a culture of conservation within the community, shifting perceptions and behaviours towards appreciating and protecting wildlife.
The importance and significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. It exemplifies how the younger generation is more conscious and committed to safeguarding the natural world. Their actions have not only created a safe haven for birds and other wildlife, but have also inspired others to follow suit. The transformation of a large area of Sherpur into a bird sanctuary and bringing all the locals onboard is a testament to their hard work and unwavering dedication.
The youth of Sherpur have demonstrated to the rest of Bangladesh that real change is possible when awareness is combined with understanding, compassion and action. They offer a model for communities everywhere and go beyond proof that grassroots initiatives can have a profound impact on the environment. Goodness has to have its roots somewhere. Their story serves as a shining example of how compassion coupled with awareness can transform an entire community.
The intriguing question is, why only Sherpur? Why cannot people around the country have the same compassion for the birds that have been living with us since time immemorial? They certainly deserve a little space. For those who want to be in communion with nature, the villages in Sherpur could be an ideal place. Birds will take you back, at least for a few moments, to the times when everything was so different, not affected by the intrusion of modernity.
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