Dhaka: The interim government is currently in the process of developing a master plan for Saint Martin’s Island, a unique coral-rich ecosystem in the country. ‘Work is also underway to finalise a master plan for the island, along with waste management measures and alternative livelihood programmes for local residents,’ stated Dipankar Bar, Public Relations Officer of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, in a conversation with BSS. He emphasized that measures have been initiated to control unchecked tourism on Saint Martin’s Island in an effort to restore its ecosystem.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ministry has rolled out a series of innovative programs over the past year aimed at environmental protection, forest and biodiversity conservation, and addressing climate change effects. A ministry press release highlighted the eradication of banned polythene use in shopping malls nationwide as a key achievement. Joint operations with law enforcement continue to target the use of polythene in manufacturing plants, kitchen markets, and other areas. To provide alternatives, a joint project with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute is in place to ensure the affordable availability of jute bags.
In efforts to control air pollution, the National Air Quality Management Plan has been established. Authorities have demolished 830 illegal brick kilns and are in the process of declaring areas in Savar and Ashulia as ‘Degraded Airsheds’. The shutdown of illegal lead factories and youth-led noise pollution awareness campaigns are also significant steps.
In Gazipur, pollution sources from nine factories affecting the Gacha canal have been cut off, and all polythene-producing factories have been closed. New initiatives for the Department of Environment (DoE) have been approved, including plans to construct 37 office buildings. For hill conservation, recorded hills from 16 districts are now in an online database, with ongoing monitoring.
The Climate Change Trust Fund has approved 41 projects valued at Taka 3.51 billion, while the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership has been finalized. The press release outlined significant advancements in forest and wildlife conservation, with 10,322 acres of reclaimed forest land in Cox’s Bazar and Sonadia, and 144 acres in Purbachal designated as a special biodiversity area. In the past year, 5,093 acres of encroached forest land have been recovered and reforested.
The ban on eucalyptus and acacia sapling production and planting, along with initiatives to restore the Madhupur Sal forest, are part of the ministry’s efforts. Restoration work in Chunati and Sherpur forests is also aimed at creating elephant corridors and enhancing biodiversity.
In wildlife conservation, 159 Elephant Response Teams have been established to address human-elephant conflicts. Efforts to reintroduce extinct native peacock species, protect endangered species, and declare wetlands as sanctuaries are underway. Wildlife crime control operations have rescued 5,684 animals in 293 interventions. Additionally, the use of plastic and picnicking has been banned in national and eco-parks, and work is ongoing to update the Wildlife Act with new laws, rules, and guidelines.
These comprehensive initiatives by the ministry have set a precedent for environmental and nature protection, significantly contributing to the development of a climate-resilient and sustainable Bangladesh, as stated in the press release.