Bangladeshi teachers say a recent workshop on eco-spirituality has taught them more about caring for the environment.

"The proper handling of garbage, water, electricity, gas and other natural resources as well as the planting of trees … are vital for the environment," said Monindro Halder, 45, assistant headmaster of St. Paul’s High School in Bagerhat.

Halder was among some 150 primary and high school teachers from six Catholic dioceses who attended the June 8-10 seminar organized by Caritas Khulna and the Khulna Diocesan Education Commission.

“We organized this workshop for the teachers as they are one of the most respected people in society,” said Michael Topu Biswas, regional director of Caritas Khulna.

“They can play a vital role in promoting eco-spirituality though their students and others.”

“We often think that environmental issues are related to sociology and politics but that is not so,” said keynote speaker Jesuit Father Ignatius Pankaj Pereira who holds a masters in environmental science.

“Environment is also a matter of spirituality because God has created everything and we have to respect his creation.”

Bangladesh could face serious climate change issues according to some NGOs. The country, often called “The Land of Rivers,” as it used to have some 1,200 rivers and tributaries, now has only about 300 rivers.

Many riverbeds are covered with silt. Cyclones and tidal surges have also become more frequent.

Environmentalists warn that global warming could see sea levels rising by as much as 45 centimeters by 2050, causing complete inundation of 20 coastal districts in the country.

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