Dhaka: Tourists will be permitted to stay overnight on Saint Martin's Island starting tomorrow for December and January, marking a new chapter in eco-friendly tourism endeavors. Earlier, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced guidelines on October 22 to foster sustainable tourism while preserving the island's unique natural environment, biodiversity, and scenic beauty, Public Relations Officer Dipankar Bar informed BSS today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the guidelines were issued under Section 13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, and adhere to the "Guidelines for the Protection of Environment, Ecosystem and Biodiversity of Saint Martin's Island and for Eco-Friendly Tourism, 2023." These regulations include directives such as requiring approval from the ministry for vessel operations on the island, facilitated by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).
Tourists must secure tickets online via the Bangladesh Tourism Board portal, with each ticket embedding a Travel Pass and QR code for validation. Unauthorized tickets lacking QR codes will be deemed counterfeit. Furthermore, tourist schedules and island access will be meticulously regulated.
During November, only daytime visits are allowed, with overnight stays strictly prohibited. However, in December and January, tourists will be allowed to stay overnight, with a daily visitor cap of 2,000 individuals. No tourist movement will be permitted in February.
To safeguard the island's fragile ecosystem, activities such as lighting fires or lamps on beaches at night, making noise, and organizing barbecue parties are prohibited. Additionally, entry into keya fruit areas, harvesting or trading keya fruits, and harming marine wildlife, including turtles, birds, corals, crabs, and shellfish, are banned.
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and sea bikes, are prohibited on beaches. Tourists are also discouraged from carrying banned polythene items or single-use plastics, such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini shampoo or soap packs, and 500-1000 ml plastic bottles. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water flasks to minimize waste.