Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the need to prioritize conservation in the proposed "Master Plan of Saint Martin's Island." Saint Martin's Island has been designated as an ecologically critical area, prompting the need for a master plan that includes a long-term sustainable management strategy focusing on conservation before tourism development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a high-level strategic consultation workshop on the Saint Martin's Island Master Plan. The workshop was organized by the Department of Environment (DoE) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Rizwana, who also serves as the information and broadcasting adviser, mentioned that clearly outlining the dos and don'ts in the master plan to preserve the island and restore its biodiversity would facilitate adherence to the guidelines. She stressed the necessity of regulating tourism to prioritize conservation and prevent the detrimental influence of outsiders conducting business activities over the local population.
The adviser further emphasized the importance of considering the role of local residents in the implementation of the master plan. She highlighted the need for creating alternative employment opportunities for locals, suggesting fishing, dry goods business, handicrafts, and even tourism as viable options.
In her address as a special guest, Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed stated that during the interim government's term, the ministry initiated several short-term and long-term measures to conserve Saint Martin's Island. She noted that a draft of the master plan had been prepared during this period.
The workshop featured three power-point presentations titled 'Overview of the Draft Saint Martin's Island Master Plan,' 'Collected Feedback on the Draft Saint Martin's Island Master Plan,' and 'Biodiversity of Saint Martin Island.' Additionally, two documentaries on the island were screened during the meeting.
Despite its significant ecological value, Saint Martin's Island faces severe environmental degradation due to uncontrolled tourism, coral and oyster harvesting, unsustainable fishing practices, and the impacts of climate change and extreme weather. In light of these challenges, the DoE designated the island and its surrounding marine areas as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in 1999. The proposed master plan aims to integrate environmental conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable tourism management, and community-based joint management to maintain the island's ecological balance and ensure social and economic resilience.
The workshop, chaired by DoE Director General Dr. Md Kamruzzaman, was also addressed by additional secretary of the ministry Dr. Fahmida Khanam and UNDP Resident Representative (interim) Sonali Dayaratne.