Saint Martin’s Island: A Jewel at Risk

Natural Beauty and Biodiversity

Saint Martin’s Island is a breathtaking blend of pristine beauty and ecological richness. Its turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and swaying coconut palms create a tropical landscape unlike any other in Bangladesh. Beneath the waves lies a colorful underwater world — an intricate network of coral reefs teeming with marine life that sustains both the environment and the local community.

The island supports an extraordinary range of biodiversity, hosting more than 230 species of finfish along with numerous species of mollusks, crustaceans, and vibrant corals. During certain seasons, it becomes a sanctuary for migratory birds and an important nesting ground for sea turtles, highlighting its significance as a vital node in regional and global ecological systems.

To safeguard these precious natural assets, the government has established a Marine Protected Area (MPA) encompassing 1,743 square kilometers around the island. This initiative aims to conserve the island’s delicate ecosystems, regulate fishing activities, and promote sustainable tourism practices that balance ecological protection with local economic growth.

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Tourism and Environmental Impact

Tourism has emerged as a double-edged sword for Saint Martin’s Island. On one hand, it provides crucial economic opportunities for the local population, generating income through hospitality services, transportation, and the sale of local goods. The influx of visitors has helped transform the island into one of Bangladesh’s most popular travel destinations, drawing thousands each year to experience its serene beaches and tropical charm.

However, the rapid and often unregulated growth of tourism has also brought severe environmental repercussions. The fragile coral reefs, which form the foundation of the island’s ecosystem, are under increasing threat from destructive activities such as anchoring boats on coral beds, littering, and the unplanned construction of resorts and guesthouses. These human-induced pressures have disrupted marine habitats and reduced water quality.

According to a study published in ScienceDirect, the island’s coral reef coverage has declined by approximately 25% between 2015 and 2022. This alarming reduction has had a cascading effect on marine biodiversity, leading to the loss of critical habitats for fish and other marine species. Unless sustainable tourism practices are enforced, Saint Martin’s Island risks losing the very natural beauty that makes it a treasured destination.

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Pollution is the main concern for saving Saint Martin's

Climate Change Challenges

Saint Martin’s Island stands on the frontline of climate change vulnerability. Its small size, low elevation, and delicate ecosystem make it one of the most climate-sensitive regions in Bangladesh. The combined effects of rising sea levels, intensifying cyclones, and increasing saltwater intrusion are putting immense pressure on both the island’s natural environment and the livelihoods of its residents.

With an elevation ranging from only 3 to 5 meters above sea level, the island faces a constant threat of flooding and coastal erosion. Each passing year, high tides and storm surges eat away at the shoreline, while saltwater contamination jeopardizes freshwater sources and agricultural land. The consequences extend beyond the environment — they directly impact the island’s fishing-dependent economy and the safety of its population.

Climate studies have repeatedly emphasized the urgent need for adaptive measures to safeguard Saint Martin’s Island. Effective strategies such as coastal reinforcement, sustainable resource management, and the development of early warning systems are essential to ensure the long-term resilience of its biodiversity and infrastructure. Without timely intervention, the combined threats of climate change could render large portions of the island uninhabitable in the future.

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Recent Developments: Tourism Restrictions and Local Reactions

In response to the island’s mounting environmental challenges, the Government of Bangladesh has recently introduced a series of tourism restrictions designed to reduce ecological strain. These measures represent a significant step toward sustainable tourism — but they have also triggered concerns among stakeholders whose livelihoods and investments are closely tied to the tourism sector.

Key Restrictions Implemented

• Daily tourist cap introduced: Starting from December, tourist arrivals will be limited to 2,000 visitors per day during the peak months (December–January), a major drop from the previous peak of up to 6,000 daily visitors on weekends.
• Overnight stays restricted: In November, tourists will be prohibited from staying overnight to allow natural recovery of the ecosystem and reduce human impact.
• Temporary closure in February: Authorities plan to completely shut down the island in February for comprehensive cleaning and ecosystem restoration activities.

The dogs are skinny as they starve for six months of the year due to a shortage of food as hotels and restaurants on the island are closed during the entire off-season. Photo: Mostafigur Rahman

Stakeholder Investments and Economic Concerns

The economic impact of these restrictions is significant, particularly for the island’s residents and tourism-dependent businesses. According to official estimates cited in The Business Standard, the island’s tourism industry supports approximately 6,000 jobs, serving a local population of about 8,000 people. These jobs range from boat operators, hotel staff, and restaurant workers to tour guides and small business owners selling local products.

Perhaps most strikingly, private stakeholders — including hotel owners, tour operators, and investors — have collectively invested over ৳1,000 crore (more than USD 90 million) in developing hospitality infrastructure which includes 200 hotels and resorts, and 150 restaurants on the island. This includes the construction of resorts, guesthouses, restaurants, eco-lodges, and transportation services designed to cater to the growing influx of domestic and international tourists.

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For many local entrepreneurs, these investments represent their life savings and long-term financial security. As such, the abrupt nature of the new policies has raised deep concerns. Business owners argue that the lack of prior consultation or feasibility assessments has created uncertainty, particularly as the peak season approaches — a time when many recover from the off-season lull.

Calls for Balanced Policy and Local Inclusion

While most stakeholders acknowledge the need for environmental protection, there is growing consensus that a more inclusive, data-driven, and phased approach is needed. Local organizations such as the Saint Martin Poribesh and Parjatan Oikya Unnayan Jote have submitted a 19-point proposal to the government, advocating for a model of tourism that is both sustainable and economically viable. Their recommendations include visitor registration systems, capacity limits based on scientific studies, regulated boat traffic, and infrastructure upgrades for waste management.

The current debate reflects the island’s central challenge: how to protect its fragile ecosystem without dismantling the economic foundation upon which so many livelihoods depend. A collaborative governance model — one that includes local voices, environmental scientists, and tourism professionals — is essential to crafting a future where Saint Martin’s Island can thrive both ecologically and economically.

Government Policies and Conservation Efforts

In light of the growing environmental degradation and ecological threats facing Saint Martin’s Island, the Government of Bangladesh has taken a series of proactive steps to mitigate damage and promote sustainable development. Recognizing the island’s fragile ecosystem, authorities have prioritized conservation-based approaches that balance environmental protection with community welfare.

One key initiative includes the restriction of tourism during the monsoon season, a period when the island’s ecosystem is most vulnerable. This seasonal control helps reduce pressure on coral reefs and coastal habitats while allowing the environment time to recover naturally. The government has also begun enforcing stricter waste management regulations, requiring proper disposal of solid waste and discouraging the use of plastics by both tourists and local businesses.

Furthermore, awareness programs have been launched to promote eco-friendly practices, encouraging visitors and residents alike to engage in responsible tourism. The establishment of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) encompassing 1,743 square kilometers around the island represents a landmark effort to safeguard marine biodiversity. This initiative aims to regulate fishing, preserve coral habitats, and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources for future generations.

Collectively, these policies and conservation efforts reflect a growing national commitment to preserving Saint Martin’s Island — not only as a tourist attraction but as a vital ecological treasure of Bangladesh.

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Department of Mass Communication and Journalism students from the University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh held volunteer service to eliminate plastic pollution in Saint Martin Island

Geopolitical Significance and Sovereignty Concerns

Beyond its natural and ecological importance, Saint Martin’s Island also holds substantial geopolitical value owing to its strategic location near the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Situated at the northeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal — a region of growing geopolitical interest — the island serves as a potential focal point for regional maritime security, trade routes, and strategic defense considerations.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) settled a long-standing maritime boundary dispute in 2012, confirming that Saint Martin’s Island lies within Bangladesh’s sovereign territory. This ruling not only reinforced Bangladesh’s maritime rights but also strengthened its jurisdiction over valuable marine resources surrounding the island.

In recent years, however, renewed geopolitical tensions in the Bay of Bengal have brought the island back into international focus. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that several foreign powers, including the United States, have expressed strategic interest in the area — particularly in establishing a presence or partnership related to maritime security. While no official confirmation of such intentions exists, these discussions have sparked national debate regarding the preservation of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Given the island’s sensitive geopolitical position, policymakers emphasize the need for vigilance and balanced diplomacy to ensure that Saint Martin’s Island remains a symbol of national pride and environmental stewardship — not a pawn in regional power dynamics.

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Location of St. Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal

Public Perception and Local Concerns

For the residents of Saint Martin’s Island, this small patch of coral paradise represents far more than just a tourist attraction — it is an integral part of their cultural heritage, identity, and survival. Generations of islanders have depended on the sea for fishing, coconut harvesting, and small-scale tourism, forming a close-knit community deeply connected to the island’s natural rhythms.

However, recent discussions about foreign strategic interest and potential military involvement have sparked widespread apprehension among the local population. Many residents fear that such developments could trigger displacement, threaten their traditional livelihoods, and accelerate the ongoing environmental degradation already caused by unchecked tourism and climate pressures.

Public discourse — both in the media and on social platforms — reveals a strong and unified sentiment among Bangladeshis: the island’s sovereignty and ecological integrity must be preserved at all costs. For many, Saint Martin’s Island symbolizes national pride and environmental heritage, and there is growing demand for government transparency and inclusive policymaking that prioritizes the well-being of its inhabitants over external interests.

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Balancing Tourism, Conservation, and Sovereignty

Striking a sustainable balance between tourism development, environmental conservation, and national sovereignty on Saint Martin’s Island demands a comprehensive, collaborative approach. As the island continues to draw both domestic and international attention, its future depends on policies that integrate economic opportunity with ecological protection and political stability.

To ensure the island’s long-term sustainability, several key strategies can be implemented:

• Implementing sustainable tourism practices: Limit the number of visitors to prevent ecosystem stress, promote eco-friendly accommodations powered by renewable energy, and encourage responsible behavior among tourists through awareness campaigns.
• Enhancing environmental education: Educate both locals and visitors about the ecological significance of coral reefs, marine species, and coastal vegetation, fostering a shared responsibility toward conservation.
• Strengthening legal frameworks: Enforce stricter regulations on waste disposal, fishing practices, land use, and construction to minimize human impact and protect biodiversity.
• Engaging in diplomatic dialogues: Collaborate with neighboring nations and international environmental organizations to uphold Bangladesh’s sovereignty and promote joint efforts in marine conservation and disaster resilience.

By embracing these multidimensional measures, Saint Martin’s Island can evolve into a model of harmony between human development and nature. Such an approach would preserve its coral beauty, empower local communities, and safeguard its geopolitical integrity for generations to come.

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