Published on
October 22, 2025
In a significant move towards maintaining the distinctive environment of Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh has come out with a holistic set of green tourism guidelines. The guidelines are specifically intended to minimize the tourism footprint on the island’s fragile coral ecosystems and encourage sustainable travel habits. Saint Martin’s Island is Bangladesh’s sole coral island and a national treasure that has been under threat from increasing tourism development in recent years. By implementing these new regulations, the government is taking decisive steps to safeguard the delicate environment of the island while providing scope for responsible tourism to flourish.
Bangladesh’s Push for Sustainable Tourism: New Guidelines for Saint Martin’s Island
The guidelines, which are enforced under Section 13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, were announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and come under the “Guidelines for the Protection of Environment, Ecosystem and Biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island and for Eco-Friendly Tourism, 2023.” The regulations are designed to mitigate the negative effects of tourism on the island’s biodiversity, setting a global standard for eco-tourism and sustainable travel in the region.
A Focus on Balancing Tourism with Environmental Protection
The new tourism rules place an emphasis on balancing tourism growth with the need to protect Saint Martin’s unique marine life and ecosystems. With a range of conditions aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the island, the government is making a clear statement about the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. Among the newly introduced measures are:
- A cap on daily tourist numbers: Only 2,000 visitors will be allowed to visit Saint Martin’s Island each day, helping to reduce the environmental strain caused by over-tourism.
- Strict seasonal schedules: Access to the island will be regulated based on the season, with the island being completely closed to tourism in February, to allow ecosystems time to regenerate. Overnight stays will be allowed only in December and January, while day trips will be allowed in November.
- Tourist access control: The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will only permit vessels to operate to Saint Martin’s with prior approval from the Ministry of Environment, ensuring that tourist flows are properly managed.
Targeting Plastic Pollution: Reducing Waste on the Island
A significant focus of the guidelines is reducing plastic pollution, which has long been a major environmental issue in many tourist destinations, particularly coastal regions. In order to protect the island’s pristine beaches and marine life, the new guidelines:
- Ban single-use plastics, such as chip packets, plastic straws, and mini toiletry packs.
- Tourists are prohibited from carrying polythene, and are encouraged to bring reusable water flasks and use environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable plastic.
- A strong emphasis is placed on leaving no trace—tourists are urged to bring only what they need and dispose of waste responsibly, helping to preserve the island’s natural beauty.
These measures aim to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the surrounding ocean, protecting Saint Martin’s fragile coral reefs and marine life, including turtles, crabs, starfish, and seaweed.
Prohibiting Harmful Activities: Protecting Marine Life and Keya Forests
The eco-tourism guidelines also include strict regulations to prevent harmful activities that could damage Saint Martin’s island environment. These include:
- No entry into Keya forests: Visitors are prohibited from accessing Keya forests, where Keya fruits are collected, to prevent disruption of the local ecosystem.
- Protection of marine life: The guidelines make it illegal to harm or disturb marine creatures such as corals, turtles, and birds, and visitors are forbidden from collecting or harming sea life. This measure ensures the preservation of Saint Martin’s diverse marine ecosystem, which is one of its most valuable natural assets.
Additionally, activities like barbeque parties and the use of motorized vehicles like motorcycles and sea bikes are banned, as they cause excessive noise and pollution, further threatening the island’s tranquil environment.
Promoting Responsible Travel: Eco-Friendly Practices for Visitors
In order to promote responsible travel, tourists will now be required to purchase tickets through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s official website, where each ticket will carry a QR code and a travel pass. Tickets without a QR code will be considered invalid, ensuring that tourist numbers are controlled and monitored effectively. This online ticketing system will also streamline visitor access and minimize the potential for overcrowding, a common issue in popular tourist destinations.
Furthermore, tourists are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, respecting local wildlife, and supporting sustainable local businesses. The government’s strategy aims to create an environment where tourism benefits the local economy while preserving the natural resources for future generations.
A Collaborative Effort: Government, Stakeholders, and Local Communities
The implementation of these guidelines is a result of extensive discussions and coordination between various stakeholders. A coordination meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, involved officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, representatives from the e-ticketing platform, and other stakeholders. These discussions emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that Saint Martin’s Island becomes a model for eco-friendly tourism.
The involvement of local communities is also crucial to the success of the guidelines. The island’s residents will play a central role in sustainable tourism practices, including maintaining the cleanliness of beaches, educating tourists about environmental preservation, and promoting responsible behaviors.
Long-Term Vision: Making Saint Martin’s a Model for Eco-Tourism
The overarching goal of these new guidelines is to transform Saint Martin’s Island into a model of responsible tourism that other destinations can look to for guidance. The government aims to preserve the island’s unique natural beauty, marine biodiversity, and local culture while promoting sustainable travel. With the implementation of these measures, the island is set to become a showcase for eco-friendly tourism practices in Bangladesh, demonstrating that it is possible to balance tourism development with environmental protection.
A Sustainable Future for Saint Martin’s Island
The newly set guidelines for Saint Martin’s Island herald a new chapter in Bangladesh’s eco-friendly tourism. By tackling the most important environmental issues like plastic waste, over-tourism, and safeguarding sea creatures, the rules guarantee that the island’s fragile ecology is maintained even as tourists get to enjoy its natural beauty. With these measures in place, Saint Martin’s Island is ready to become an exemplary model of sustainable tourism for the Bay of Bengal, establishing a benchmark for future eco-tourism ventures throughout Bangladesh and elsewhere. The island will not only continue to be a gem for tourists today but also be preserved for generations to come.
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