Congratulations to project ReLeaf, a green urbanization project by a Bangladeshi team of five girls and young women, who beat out teams from around the world to win a HK$20,000 ($2,580) prize.
There is little doubt that, while urbanization remains integral, particularly to developing countries such as Bangladesh, its adverse impact on climate change cannot be ignored. Therefore, green solutions are the way to go, and it is extremely encouraging that a project proposed by a Bangladeshi team has triumphed over such stiff competition from around the world.
The project, planned with the help of Hong Kong-based 24 Hour Race team, aims to popularize urban gardening within their immediate environment in Dhaka by taking advantage of technological resources and advancements.
What is particularly encouraging is that the majority of the Bangladeshi participants were still studying in school, and it bodes well for Bangladesh that the younger generation is actively contributing to devising sustainable solutions for urbanization in the country.
The other reason to feel encouraged is that the team is looking to implement these ideas as soon as possible with the prize money they have received -- this is the sort of urgency that is required from decision-makers when it comes to project implementation, and there is much to be learned from these young women on that front.
Bangladesh remains one of the countries most vulnerable to the threat of climate change, and unchecked urbanization has been a serious issue, particularly in Dhaka. With innovative ideas such as ReLeaf, there is a glimmer of hope that future urbanization initiatives will be more sustainable.
