Home / Environment / Saint Martin's Island: Tourism Ban Begins
Saint Martin's Island: Tourism Ban Begins
3 Feb
Summary
- Tourism banned for nine months to conserve coral island.
- Overcrowding led to waste, habitat, and sewage issues.
- Development doubled while natural areas declined.
Bangladesh has implemented a nine-month tourism ban on Saint Martin's Island, its sole coral island, effective February 1, 2026. This measure is part of a conservation plan by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to protect the delicate ecosystem.
The decision comes after years of increasing tourism, which, despite boosting the local economy, has led to significant environmental challenges. The island's limited 590 hectares struggled to accommodate between 3,000 and 7,000 daily visitors during peak seasons.
Environmental concerns cited include elevated waste and sewage production, inadequate infrastructure, habitat degradation, and coral extraction. The plan details a near doubling of developed land between 2005 and 2023, coinciding with declines in agricultural and vegetated areas.
With tourists temporarily removed, the government intends to restore coral reefs, nurture wildlife, and support biodiversity. The conservation plan, "Master Plan of Saint Martin's Island," prioritizes ecosystem preservation and optimal resource management for the next decade. Additional restrictions are in place, such as banning beach lights at night, loud music, and single-use plastics.
