The country’s only coral island, St. Martin, was literally dying due to unplanned tourism and plastic pollution. However, the current new government has taken a historic and bold step to protect the island’s biodiversity and coral reefs.
According to the new directives of the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Bangladesh, the decision to limit the number of tourists on St. Martin Island and prohibit overnight stays at certain times has been implemented, which is being considered a groundbreaking achievement by environmentalists.
Implementation and environmental impact:
Tourist control: According to the new policy, no more than a certain number of tourists will be able to enter the island per day during the tourist season. Restrictions have also been imposed on overnight stays at certain times from November to January.
Single-use plastic banned: Chip packets, polythene, and plastic bottles have been completely banned from entering the island.
Biodiversity Restoration: Experts believe that stopping activities that harm coral and lowering human noise will help sea turtles to lay eggs again.
This decision to save St. Martin, above commercial interests, proves that the new government is giving top priority to environmental protection. This is a new milestone in the country’s ecotourism system.
