Where conservation meets culture: Inside Khagrachhari’s Primate Fair

In a quiet hill tract of Matiranga upazila at Khagrachhari, the sound of songs, laughter and animated discussions filled the air as more than a hundred students gathered for an unusual lesson – one that stepped beyond textbooks and into the forests around them.

The occasion was "Primate Fair 2026," a community-led initiative that has, over the past four years, grown into a distinctive platform blending conservation awareness with local culture.

Held in Pittachhara, the daylong fair brought together students from 35 No Purba Khedachhara Government Primary School and Alutila Bottoli High School, alongside teachers and residents. But this was no ordinary event.

Instead of lectures, students explored the world of primates – their behaviour, habitats and ecological importance – through interactive discussions, visual storytelling and hands-on activities.

At one corner, a bioscope drew curious crowds, offering glimpses into wildlife in a way that felt both nostalgic and new. Nearby, groups of students engaged in lively conversations about how primates contribute to forest ecosystems, guided by organisers who translated complex ideas into relatable examples.

Cultural performances added another layer to the experience. Songs carried messages of conservation, while a quiz competition turned learning into a friendly contest. Winners were awarded tree saplings — a symbolic gesture linking knowledge with action.

The fair is jointly organised by Plumploris EV Bangladesh and the Pittachhara Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Initiative. What sets it apart, organisers say, is its effort to connect environmental awareness with the lived realities of local communities.

"Conservation becomes meaningful when people see how it relates to their own lives and culture," said Marjan Maria, an animal care and research coordinator involved in the event. She believes engaging young people is especially critical. "They are the future custodians of these forests."

For Mahfuz Russel, founder of the Pittachhara initiative, the fair is as much about building relationships as it is about sharing knowledge. "We are trying to create a space where conservation is not imposed, but understood and embraced," he said.

Hasan Al Razi Chayan, team leader of Plumploris EV, echoed the sentiment, noting that sustained community involvement has been key to the fair's continuity over the years.

Behind the scenes, support from local administration, teachers and residents helped bring the event together, reflecting a broader sense of ownership.

As the day drew to a close, the field slowly emptied, but the conversations lingered. For many of the young participants, the fair offered a first real connection to the forests and the wildlife they sustain – a small but significant step towards nurturing a generation that sees conservation not as an abstract idea, but as a shared responsibility.