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Climate change

New Guidelines for Eco-Friendly Tourism on St. Martin's Island

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The government has introduced a set of new regulations to promote eco-friendly tourism on St. Martin's Island, a unique and fragile environment that is home to diverse biodiversity. The guidelines, issued by the Environment-2 Wing of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aim to preserve the island's natural beauty and protect its delicate ecosystem. According to the guidelines, tourists will be required to purchase tickets online, strictly follow visitor schedules, and adhere to a list of banned activities, including lighting fires, creating noise, and harming wildlife.

Key Takeaways:

  • The guidelines are based on the 'St. Martin's Island Environment, Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation and Eco-friendly Tourism Guidelines, 2023' (S.R.O No-165-Law/2023, dated May 23, 2023) framed under Section 13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995.
  • The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will require approval from the Ministry of Environment for any vessels to operate on the island.
  • Tourists must purchase tickets online through the official Bangladesh Tourism Board portal, with each ticket containing a Travel Pass and QR Code.
  • Activities such as lighting fires or lamps on beaches at night, creating noise, and hosting barbecue parties are strictly banned.
  • Entry into Keya fruit areas, harvesting or trading Keya fruits, and harming marine turtles, birds, corals, crabs, shellfish, or other wildlife is prohibited.
  • Motorised vehicles, including motorcycles and sea bikes, are banned on beaches.
  • Tourists are 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 advised to bring their own water flasks.

Statistics:

  • Daily tourist numbers will be capped at 2,000 in February, while overnight stay will be prohibited in November.
  • In December and January, overnight stay will be allowed.
  • The government hopes the new measures will safeguard St. Martin's fragile environment and biodiversity.
  • The Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan chaired a meeting on Tuesday at the ministry to discuss the implementation of eco-friendly tourism on the island.

Sources:

  • "St. Martin's Island Environment, Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation and Eco-friendly Tourism Guidelines, 2023" (S.R.O No-165-Law/2023, dated May 23, 2023)
  • Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (Section 13)

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