Editorial
St. Martin needs conservation
Implement plans to save its bio-diversity
It is disquieting to learn that one of the finest coral islands in the world is facing the prospect of damage due to various factors including its use for 'commercial-tourism', according to environmentalists. Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) wants it to be regarded as 'marine protected area'.
From a pristine coral island inhabited by only a few farmers and those manning a weather station two decades ago, it has now grown into a rather busy crowded area without anyone really taking any notice of the harmful consequences on the island's bio-diversity. Human habitation, and all other related human activities in the area have gone on in an unplanned way in spite of the fact that it had been declared an ecologically critical area.
If it had been declared an 'ecologically critical area' it is incredible that the project undertaken to provide necessary protection to prevent its degradation was not seen through, reportedly, because the person entrusted with the project didn't have the wherewithal to ensure implementation of the scheme. Lack of oversight, if not of interest, has added to the present condition of the island. Otherwise one cannot explain why the recommendations of the National Conservation Strategy Project- Phase I have not been implemented even after 15 years of its formulation.
It's inevitable that the demographic pressure that the country suffers from will trickle down to a remote area like the St. Martin. But the island can sustain life and have planned tourism also without losing on its ecology, if appropriate rules and conditions were formulated and the people currently living there and those planning to do so were made aware and motivated to abide by those.
We join our voice with the environmentalists to call upon the government to take legal measures to save the island; to regulate tourism so that the environment is not harmed and ensure coordination among various ministries and agencies so that not only are appropriate measures planned that they are also undertaken and implemented without delay.
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