The government is emphasizing integrated planning and environmentally friendly alternative livelihoods to protect the endangered Saint Martin’s Island, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources. She stated that improving the quality of life for the island’s local population is an essential part of the conservation strategy.
She made these remarks while presiding over a meeting held today at the Department of Environment in Agargaon, Dhaka. The meeting focused on developing strategies for conserving the island’s ecosystem and biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for its residents.
The Advisor highlighted that poor farming families would receive support for cultivating salt- and climate-resilient vegetables and crops. Initiatives will include training, demonstration programs, and technical assistance. Support will also be provided for compost and vermicompost production. Training will be offered on organic pest control in coconut cultivation, along with assistance for poultry and livestock farming and establishing small home nurseries.
She further announced that food assistance would be increased during the fishing ban period. Fisherfolk will receive sustainable fishing equipment, including eco-friendly nets. Skill development programs will be introduced for tailoring, cap making, midwifery, and trades like computer operations, motor driving, boat navigation, electronics, and hotel management. Local youths will be trained as tourist guides, and a group of “Environment Guards” will be formed and trained to support conservation efforts.
PowerPoint presentations were made at the meeting on four key areas: “Studies and Planning,” “Environment-Friendly Alternative Livelihood Project,” “Eco-Tourism Development Proposal,” and “Sustainable Solid Waste Management Plan.” Detailed discussions were held, and it was unanimously decided to formulate a sustainable plan to protect the biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island.
Notable attendees included Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment; Additional Secretaries Md. Navid Shafiullah, Dr. Fahmida Khanom, and Md. Khayrul Hasan; Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Md Kamruzzaman; and Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury. Representatives from the Coast Guard, Tourist Police, CEGIS, Department of Fisheries, and various other public and private organizations also participated.