# Government to Divide Saint Martin’s Island into Four Zones to Protect Biodiversity

> The government is prioritising restoring Saint Martin’s Island’s biodiversity and controlling unplanned tourism. Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said tourism must support local people, warning excessive visitors…

Published: 2026-01-07 · Desk: Latest · Source: Ittefaq

The government is prioritising the restoration of Saint Martin’s Island’s lost biodiversity and curbing unplanned tourism. Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said tourism should support local people rather than dominate the island, warning that excessive visitors could harm both the community and the fragile ecosystem.

At the same time, the government aims to create sustainable livelihoods so conservation and income can coexist. Handicrafts, fishing and well-managed tourism are being considered as alternative income sources with support from various ministries.

Under the draft master plan, the island is divided into four zones. The General Use Zone will host hotels and most tourism activities. The Managed Resource Zone will protect turtle breeding areas, allowing only daytime visits. The Sustainable Use Zone will cover bushland, lagoons and mangroves, where locals may use limited resources under regulation. The Restricted Zone will be fully closed to safeguard sensitive biodiversity.

Original reporting: https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/769244/%E2%80%98%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E2%80%99
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