St Martin's Island springs back amid tourism clampdown

Government-imposed restrictions on tourism at St Martin's Island, Bangladesh's only coral island located in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar, are beginning to show promising signs of ecological recovery, according to the Department of Environment (DoE).

These early improvements could set the stage for sustainable tourism on the island.

DoE officials reported that recent monitoring reveals healthier coral reefs, a return of sea turtles, and a growing population of sea snails-key indicators of the island's biodiversity resurgence.

"We are in close contact with local authorities and the community on St Martin's, and the natural resources are clearly improving," said Md AKM Rafiqul Islam, director of Natural Resources at the DoE.

He added that the government is committed to strengthening the island's ecological resilience alongside its sustainable tourism potential.

Systematic monitoring efforts are already underway, focusing on coral reefs, turtle activity, and marine snail populations.

"These steps are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of St Martin's fragile ecosystem," Mr Islam added.

The government had earlier imposed a tourism ban running from February 1, 2024 to November 30 this year to prevent further environmental degradation caused by unchecked tourist activities.

According to the Forest Department, restoring the coral reef ecosystem and its associated marine biodiversity requires a comprehensive approach addressing both natural and human-induced pressures.

Key strategies include establishing marine protected areas, reducing pollution and plastic waste, promoting sustainable low-impact tourism, and providing alternative livelihoods for island residents.

Mohammed Solaiman Haider, another DoE director, emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns to strengthen conservation efforts.

"When tourists understand the value of preserving the environment, they become active participants in protecting it," he said.

Addressing concerns about the ban's impact on local livelihoods, Mr Haider pointed out that most island residents are fishermen, while the majority of resorts and hotels are owned by outsiders.

He added, "The claims that local livelihoods are badly affected are exaggerated."

Nonetheless, the tourism restrictions have drawn criticism from tour operators and resort owners.

Abdul Malek, a local resort owner, expressed concern, saying, "Our businesses are under serious threat. We cannot sustain operations with these restrictions. We urge the government to reconsider lifting the ban or at least relax the visitor limits."

Mujibur Rahman, chairman of St Martin Union Parishad, highlighted the island's population of roughly 11,000 residents, many of whom depend on fishing.

"While some locals earned extra income from tourists by selling fish and running stalls, the current restrictions are so strict that even genuine residents find their movement limited," he said.

Environmentalists have praised the government's decision.

Sharif Jamil, member secretary of the Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (We Protect the Earth) alliance, stated, "We endorse a controlled, eco-friendly tourism model that balances environmental conservation with the needs of local communities."

He added, "If the island is damaged, future generations of tourists will lose this unique experience. Protecting our only coral island is essential."

Mr Jamil emphasised that tourism must be carefully managed to minimise environmental harm. This involves regulating visitor numbers, developing eco-friendly infrastructure, and encouraging responsible travel practices.

jasimharoon@yahoo.com