Secure action
Tucked away in the Bay of Bengal, Saint Martin’s Island—also known as Narikel Jinjira—is Bangladesh’s only coral island. It’s a small but extraordinary destination, stretching only 3 square kilometers, yet bursting with unmatched natural beauty.
What makes Saint Martin’s so special isn’t just its crystal-clear waters or coconut palms—it’s the island’s incredible ecological value. Coral reefs, sea turtles, colorful fish, and rare mangroves all thrive here, forming a delicate and interconnected environment that’s both stunning and essential.
The island is a rare refuge for coral reefs, sponges, dolphins, tropical fish, and nesting turtles. It’s also a sanctuary for migratory birds and marine creatures that depend on a clean, quiet coastline to survive. The coral reefs here not only support biodiversity but also help protect the coast from storms and erosion.
Thanks to recent efforts to reduce overcrowding and environmental damage, signs of recovery are beginning to show:
Corals are slowly regenerating
Sea turtles are returning to lay eggs on the beach
Water clarity has improved
Native plants and mangroves are reemerging
Despite its beauty, Saint Martin’s is under real threat.
During peak season, thousands of visitors flood the island every day—far more than the island’s ecosystem can support. This leads to:
Coral reef damage from boats and snorkelers
Erosion of the shoreline
Increased litter and pollution
One of the biggest issues is plastic. Every day, nearly 3,000 kg of plastic waste is left behind by tourists—polluting the beach, choking marine life, and breaking down into harmful microplastics.
To reduce the environmental load, the government has introduced several measures:
Entry is now regulated through official passes
Overnight stays are limited during turtle nesting season
Certain parts of the island are restricted to protect breeding areas
Plastic bags, straws, and bottles are banned on the island. Tourists are encouraged (and sometimes required) to surrender single-use plastic items before boarding ferries. Instead, reusable jute bags are provided.
Local authorities, volunteers, and environmental groups are teaming up to:
Install waste bins across the island
Conduct weekly and monthly beach cleanups
Educate tourists and locals on waste management
These initiatives are already showing results: cleaner beaches, healthier marine life, and a noticeably improved environment.
If you're planning a visit—or even just dreaming about it—here’s how you can be part of the solution:
Visit during the off-season to reduce stress on the island
Travel with reusable items: water bottles, cloth bags, bamboo cutlery
Choose eco-friendly transport and accommodation
Don’t walk on or touch coral reefs while snorkeling
Avoid buying or collecting coral or shells
Stay on marked paths and don’t litter
Join beach cleanups if available
Buy from local eco-conscious businesses
Spread awareness on social media about keeping Saint Martin’s clean
| 🏝 Feature | 🌿 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Coral reefs & sea turtles | Key to biodiversity and climate resilience |
| Plastic-free initiatives | Reduce pollution and protect marine life |
| Tourist regulations | Limit overcrowding and preserve habitats |
| Community cleanups | Improve local waste management and awareness |
| Responsible tourism | Empowers long-term sustainability |
Saint Martin’s Island is a rare jewel—an eco-paradise that belongs to all of us. It’s also a reminder that beautiful places need care, not just admiration. With mindful tourism, plastic-free habits, and support for local conservation efforts, we can help keep Saint Martin’s clean, thriving, and open for generations to enjoy.
