The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued 12-point guidelines to ensure eco-friendly tourism on the country's only coral island, Saint Martin.

The notification containing 12-point instructions signed by the ministry's Deputy Secretary Abdullah Al Mamun was issued on Wednesday (October 22).

Confirming the matter, Director of the Cox's Bazar District Office of the Department of Environment, Md. Jamir Uddin, said, "These instructions have been issued to protect the unique natural beauty, biodiversity and environment of the island. The instructions will be implemented."

It said that tourists are allowed to stay overnight in St. Martin in December and January. However, in November, only day trips will be allowed. In February, tourist travel to the island will be completely closed.

According to the new guidelines, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will no longer be able to allow any vessel to ply in St. Martin's without the approval of the Ministry of Environment. Tourists must purchase tickets online from the authorized website of the Bangladesh Tourism Board. Each ticket must contain a travel pass and a QR code. Tickets without a QR code will be considered invalid.

A maximum of 2,000 tourists can visit the island daily. Lighting lights on the beach at night, making noise, having barbecue parties, entering the keya forest, collecting marine life or corals is strictly prohibited. In addition, the movement of any motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, sea bikes, on the beach is completely prohibited.

In addition, polythene cannot be carried on the island and the use of single-use plastic items such as chips packets, plastic spoons, straws, and shampoo mini-packs has been discouraged. Tourists are advised to carry their own water flasks.

The government believes that by implementing these guidelines, the fragile environment and biodiversity of Saint Martin Island will be preserved and the island will be an excellent example of responsible and environmentally friendly tourism.