BioCity 2025 Grand Finale: WaterAid empowers youth to restore vanishing wetlands
The Grand Finale of ‘BioCity: Youth for Urban Wetland Revival’ marked a significant milestone in WaterAid’s effort to engage youth to tackle the urgent crisis of wetland degradation in Dhaka. Over the past three decades, the city has lost more than 75% of its wetlands, leading to rising temperatures, increased urban flooding, and ecological imbalance. Recognising the urgency of this crisis, WaterAid Bangladesh, with support from the Embassy of Sweden, launched the BioCity competition—an initiative aimed at mobilising young minds to develop sustainable and innovative solutions for enhancing biodiversity through urban wetland revival. This year’s competition focused on biodiversity enhancement and restoration of the IPH Pond in Mohakhali, a crucial urban waterbody facing severe ecological decline.
Launched on 27 January 2025, BioCity received an overwhelming 140+ submissions from teams (consisting of 3-5 members) across Bangladesh. Following a rigorous evaluation by resource persons and experts,11 finalist teams were selected to present their ideas before an esteemed jury panel at the Grand Finale on 19 March 2025 held at Amari Dhaka.
The event brought together students and young professionals all united by a shared vision of resilient cities with healthy wetlands and thriving ecology. The finalists showcased a diverse range of creative, evidence-based proposals focused on biodiversity enhancement, sustainable wetland restoration, and community-driven solutions. Their presentations reflected not only deep research and technical expertise but also a passion for protecting and reviving our fragile urban ecosystems.
A distinguished jury panel was present to evaluate the teams based on their innovation, feasibility, impact, and sustainability. The panel included Mr Iqbal Habib, Vice President of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA); Mr Mostafizur Rahman, Programme Officer- Climate and Environment, Embassy of Sweden, Dhaka; Dr Nehreen Majed, Professor and Head, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Asia Pacific; Dr Haseeb Irfanullah, Independent Consultant, Environment, Climate Change, and Research System, Commodore A B M Shamsul Alam, Chief Waste Management Officer, Dhaka North City Corporation.
After a meticulous review process, the jury panel selected one winning team and three honourable mentions, acknowledging their innovative approaches to wetland rejuvenation. The Award Giving Ceremony, took place on 22 March 2025 at Amari Dhaka, celebrating these young changemakers and recognising their contributions to urban biodiversity conservation.
The Winning Team, 'Water-Yard', focused on the lack of community ownership and connection to the pond as a cause for its gradual decline. Their proposal outlined five strategic interventions aimed at redefining public perception and introducing pond-centric livelihood opportunities to engage the community in restoration and maintenance of the pond.
Team URAAA, Team community waterscape and Team ONA received honourable mentions for the potential in their ideas. Team URAAA proposed a ‘6R’ strategy, focusing on Improving, Protecting, and Healing the pond through a holistic restoration approach. Team community waterscape highlighted the role of ‘Ecotones’ as natural transitions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems to enhance biodiversity. Team ONA envisioned giving the pond back to the community, reintroducing familiar activities like fishing and gardening to foster a deeper sense of ownership and belonging.
Additionally, in a public voting segment, the ideas of Water-Yard, Ecoplanners, and Equinox were recognised as the Most Loved Ideas, based on the overwhelming 7,500+ reactions received on social media.
The winning idea will now be implemented on-site, ensuring that the vision of youth for urban wetlands translates into real-world impact. WaterAid believes in the power of the youth to shape resilient cities for a better future and looks forward to remaining committed to fostering youth leadership in environmental conservation, ensuring that urban wetlands are not only revived but sustained for future generations.
Stay tuned as we celebrate and support youth-driven solutions for a greener, more resilient Dhaka!
