The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Environmentalists, economists, lawyers and representatives of different civil society groups urged the government to take initiative for saving biodiversity of the St Martin’s Island.

"The geological structural process, coastal environment and biodiversity of St Martin’s Island is being threatened every day due to lack of coordination between the policymakers and local residents," they said. They urged the government to stop the influx of tourists in the island area with immediate effect

This was urged at a discussion meeting on 'Biodiversity of St Martin’s is under Threat: Ways to Solve' organised by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) at WVA Auditorium in the city yesterday.

Prof Mozaffar Ahmed, President of BAPA, said, "The government should take steps to limit tourism business in St Martin’s Island for its protection. The pro-people and environment-friendly concept is yet to be established by the government and the people. We should make a long-term policy for the survival of the island and its local residents."

Dr Khondker Rashedul Haque, Director General of Department of Environment (DoE), said, "There is a lack of coordination among the policymakers, island dwellers and different organisations who are working in St Martin’s Island. Political will is very important to improve this situation."

Saiful Islam Paikar, St Martin’s expert and former naval official, underscored the need for declaring St Martin’s as a 'Sea Reserved Area' around 3,500 square kilometers of the island and strictly prohibited entry of people there.

"Till now the previous governments have taken initiatives for saving the St Martin’s Island which were impractical and expensive," he said.

NM Selim, Director of St Martin’s Island Biodiversity Conservation Project, said there was non-cooperation and lack of government's goodwill in developing the St Martin’s Island Biodiversity Conservation Project

Prof AQM Mahbub, Chairman of Geography and Environment Department of Dhaka University, stressed the need for stopping establishment of the eco-tourism and tourist centres in St Martin’s Island.

Syeda Rezwana Hasan, Programme Director of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers' Association (BELA), said the government should declare St Martin’s Island a restricted area for three years. During this time the government should take initiative for the preservation of the island and keep it out of the hands of land grabbers.

Dr Md Abdul Matin, General Secretary of BAPA, Prof Kazi Zaker Hossain, former Professor of Zoology Department of Dhaka University, Hazi Abdus Salam, resident of St Martin’s Island, among others, spoke at the meeting.