Cox’s bazar: The government today announced that tourists will be allowed to stay overnight on the country’s lone coral island, Saint Martin, in December and January. This decision comes as part of a series of measures aimed at protecting the island’s natural beauty and ecological integrity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notification outlining 12 directives for tourists planning to visit the island. These regulations are designed to preserve the environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island. The notification specifies that overnight stays will only be permitted during December and January. In February, the island will be closed to all tourists, while in November, tourists may visit only during daytime hours, with no overnight accommodation allowed.
Tourists are required to purchase tickets through the authorized web portal of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, with each ticket containing a Travel Pass and QR Code. Tickets lacking a QR Code will be deemed counterfeit. The circular also enforces strict controls on travel schedules and the number of visitors, capping the daily number of tourists at 2,000.
The notification further states that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) must receive prior approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change before permitting any vessel operations to the island. These guidelines fall under Section-13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, and align with the ‘Guidelines for the Protection of Environment, Ecosystem and Biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island and for Eco-Friendly Tourism, 2023.’
Director of the Cox’s Bazar district office of the Department of Environment, Md Jamir Uddin, confirmed to BSS that these directives will be strictly enforced to safeguard the island’s environment and biodiversity. The government has prohibited lighting, loud noise, and barbeque parties on beaches at night to preserve the island’s ecosystem. Furthermore, activities such as entering the Keya forest, collecting or trading Keya fruits, and harming marine life are strictly banned.
The use of motorcycles, sea bikes, or any motorized vehicles on the beach is also prohibited. Tourists are discouraged from carrying single-use plastics, including chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap or shampoo packs, and plastic bottles. Instead, they are encouraged to use personal reusable water flasks.
The government anticipates that these new measures will help preserve the delicate ecosystem and biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island, establishing it as a model for responsible and eco-friendly tourism in Bangladesh, as stated in the notification.