Saintmartin's Island is a small 8
square kilomiter island at the southern edge of Bangladesh, where the blue sea
meets coral reefs, forming a spectacular natural wonder. Despite this beauty,
the lives of its 14 thousand residents remain confined within various
limitations. With low levels of education, a tourism based seasonal economy,
and the looming threat of climate change, the island is constantly struggling
to survive. The islanders, too continue to live amid uncertainty.
Once, tourism was the primary source
of income for the island's resident. However, due to climate change, natural
disasters, and poor management, tourism in the area has sharply declined. As a
result finding alternative and sustainable sources of income for the people of
Saintmartin’s has become a pressing need of the time. Here I tried to
highlights the optimal use of the island's natural resources, environmentally
friendly income-generating opportunities, the creation of women entrepreneurs,
technology based employment, and agriculture based alternative income
possibilities along with necessary actions to achieve them.
Currently the condition of Saintmartin's
island is extremely critical and alarming. Known as the country's only coral
island, Saintmartin is now facing severe environmental degradation. Due to
climate change, rising sea levels, and poor management, the island is
experiencing dangerous coastal erosion. In recent years, coral destruction,
unregulated tourism, excessive marine traffic, and the influx of plastic waste
have put the island's biodiversity at serious risk. In response to this dire
situation, at the end of 2024, the Ministry of environment, forest and climate
change imposed a ban on tourist entry to Saintmantin's island a restriction
that remains in effect to this day.
As a result of the ban, the local
economy has suffered a major blow. A large portion of Saintmartin's residents
rely on tourism for their livelihoods hotels, restaurants, tour guides, trawler
services, shops, and even the sale of handmade crafts by women have come to a
complete standstill. With no alternative sources of income, many people are
drowning in debt, and a growing number are trying to leave the island,
abandoning their ancestral homes in search in better opportunities elsewhere.
On the other hand, the mainland area
of Teknaf is also facing significant challanges, for a long timem the region
has been under pressure due to the Rohingya crisis. With over million Rohingya
refugee residing in the area, local residents have lost land, competition for employment
has intensified, and the law and order situation has deteriorated. Being a
border region, drug trafficking especially of yaba has become a serious menace.
For this reason youth are increasingly failing into destructive paths, while
law enforcement agencies are under immense strain.
The decline in tourism, inadequate
education and healthcare services, and environmental degradation have put the
lives of the people of Saintmartin Island at severe risk. Although there is
only one secondary school and a few primary schools, the lack of teachers and
educational resources has weakened the overall quality oof education. Due to
the absence of proper healthcare facilities on the island, residents are often
forced to travel to teknaf or Cox's bazar for medical treatment a process that
is both costly and time consuming.
The damage to the natural
environment such as the destruction of coral reefs, disruption of marine animal
reproduction, and plastic pollution has put the island's ecosystem at serious
risk. At the same time, bans on tourism and environmental crisis have shut down
the primary sources of income for the islanders. Lacking alternative
livelihoods, many are falling into debt or turning to risky means of survival.
The Ruhingya crisis and cross border
drug trafficking have created social instability in the region. Some segments
of the youth are becoming involved in criminal activities, posing a serious
threat to future generations. Ultimately these crises are not confined to the
local level, they also represent major obstacle to national security,
environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Without swift and
effective solution, this region may soon face a humanitarian and ecological
disaster.
A review of the overall situation in
Saintmartin Island clearly shows that the crisis is not limited to a single
sector: rather, it is a complex social economic and environmental crisis.
Therefore, the solutions must also be multi-dimensional and implemented in a
phased, practical manner. The first step should be the introduction of a
regular tourism management system. Instead of a complete ban, allowing a
limited number of tourists per day could help balance both the islanders'
income and environmental protection. To achieve this, it is essential to train
local youth as professional tour guides, establish fixed schedules for boat
transportation, and enforce effective regulations on plastic usage.
Secondly it is crucial to reduce the
islander’s dependency on tourism by creating alternative sources of income.
Dried fish production, seaweed and shell based handicrafts, pearl and crab
farming, and organic fertilizer production require government support in the
form of microloans, training and market access. In addition setting up
dedicated training centers for women entrepreneurs and enabling the online sale
of products made from coconuts and shells can help build financial
self-reliance among the island's women.
Thirdly, the SSC examination center should be separated from Teknaf and
establish in Saintmartin. By expanding access to digital and technical
education in the island and in Teknaf, young people can be trained in
freelancing, digital marketing, and solar energy. This would enable them to
earn from home, thereby reducing the pressure on local employment
opportunities.
Fourthly, a community based marine
protection system can be introduced by involving local residents in
environmental conservation effort. If islanders are trained to assist the
forest department in biodiversity conservation, they can also generate
environmentally friendly income.
Finally, since healthcare services on the island are extremely limited.
Therefore, the government must ensure that two doctors are stationed on the
island at all times. It
is essential to establish mobile healthcare units, telemedicine services and
community clinic. Additionally, setting up a technical training institute will
help equip the next generation with skills for a better future.
Teknaf and Saintmartin Island face
multiple crises threatening their natural resources and residents' livelihoods.
To address tourism mismanagement, social unrest, and environmental damage, a
coordinated plan is needed focusing on eco-friendly tourism, local training,
alternative incomes and tech education. Effort must also protect coral reefs,
prevent erosion, and improve healthcare and education. Without security and
international cooperation, sustainable development is unlikely. However, united
action can secure the island's future.
Md Arif Ullah,
Researcher and Development worker.
Email:arifcbiu@gmail.com
