The government is focusing on an integrated, environmentally friendly strategy to protect the ecologically fragile Saint Martin’s Island, with an emphasis on alternative livelihoods for the local population, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor on Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources.
She made these remarks while presiding over a meeting held on Saturday at the Department of Environment in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The meeting highlighted the formulation of comprehensive plans for the conservation of Saint Martin’s Island’s ecosystem and biodiversity, alongside the development of sustainable livelihood options for the island’s residents.
As part of this initiative, support will be extended to impoverished farming families to cultivate salt- and climate-tolerant vegetables and crops. Training, demonstrations, and technical assistance will be provided, along with help in producing compost and vermicompost. Training will also be given on using organic pesticides on coconut trees, and assistance will be offered in raising poultry, cattle, and goats, as well as establishing small-scale homestead nurseries.
Food support will be increased during the fishing ban period, and eco-friendly fishing gear will be distributed to encourage sustainable fishing practices.
The advisor noted that skills development training will be offered in various trades such as tailoring, cap-making, midwifery, computer operations, motor driving, boat navigation, electronics, and hotel management. Local youths will be trained as tour guides, and an “environment guard” team will be formed and trained to safeguard the island’s natural resources.
Four major proposals were discussed in the meeting through PowerPoint presentations: "Studies and Planning," "Environmentally Friendly Alternative Livelihood Project," "Eco-Tourism Development Proposal," and "Sustainable Solid Waste Management Plan." At the end of the session, a decision was made to develop a sustainable, long-term plan to conserve the island’s biodiversity.
The meeting was attended by Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretaries Md. Navid Shafiullah, Dr. Fahmida Khanam, and Md. Khairul Hasan, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Kamruzzaman, Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, and other senior officials.
Representatives from the Coast Guard, Tourist Police, CEGIS, Department of Fisheries, and various government and non-government organizations were also present.
