The government is undertaking a series of initiatives to ensure that efforts to limit tourism on Saint Martin’s Island do not adversely affect the livelihoods of its local communities.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stated that sustainable alternative income opportunities will be developed in parallel with the protection and restoration of the island’s fragile biodiversity.
She made these remarks while presiding over a meeting at the Ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.
To identify viable alternative employment options, a working committee has been formed, led by the Director General of the Department of Environment. The committee includes representatives from the Department of Agricultural Extension, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh Tourism Board, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Forest Department, District Administration, BRAC, and COAST Foundation. The team is expected to submit its recommendations to the government shortly.
The meeting discussed a variety of support measures, including the distribution of eco-friendly fishing nets and modern equipment to aid sustainable fishing practices. Plans are also underway to brand and market dried fish, and to explore opportunities in seaweed and mushroom farming, vegetable cultivation, poultry and livestock rearing, as well as digital content creation, blogging, and photography.
For women, specific training programs will be introduced in tailoring, traditional nakshi kantha embroidery, souvenir-making using coconut husk, shells, and cane, as well as the production of ropes and handicrafts from coconut coir.
Additional initiatives will focus on educational support for students, tree plantation, waste management, and restaurant job training.
To promote eco-tourism, local youth will receive training in environmental awareness to serve as eco-guides. Land-based vegetable cultivation will be encouraged, and steps will be taken to enhance dried fish production and market access to Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar.
“These efforts aim to boost local incomes while paving the way for a more sustainable future for Saint Martin’s Island,” said Rizwana.
The meeting was attended by Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Environment) Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, the Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, as well as representatives from the police, coast guard, the UNO of Teknaf, Chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad, and officials from various government and non-government organisations.