St. Martin’s Island—the only coral island in Bangladesh—is facing severe ecological disaster due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, deforestation, unplanned development, destruction of coral reefs, and rock removal. The island’s environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity are under serious threat.
Several villages and business establishments are now exposed to severe erosion. With tourism shut down, local residents are grappling with financial crisis. Experts are calling for a long-term integrated plan that includes the protection of the island's geological environment, ecosystem, and artificial reef installations around its shores.
St. Martin’s Island, once known as Jinjira, lies in the southeastern corner of Bangladesh and is home to over 12,000 people. Elder residents recall how the island used to thrive with coconut trees and was famous for onion cultivation. Back then, storms and tidal surges were rare.
According to former Union Chairman Maulana Nur Ahmad, the natural defences such as coconut groves and coastal kea forests (a kind of shrub) used to protect the island. But as human settlements expanded, those natural barriers were destroyed. Over time, the local economy shifted from fishing and farming to tourism. Clear waters, corals, and natural beauty began attracting thousands of tourists. Residents began converting homes into guesthouses, opening shops, and building small resorts.
With recent restrictions on tourism imposed by the interim government to protect the environment, residents have lost their main source of income.
Adding to their woes, recent new moon tides brought unprecedented erosion to both the northern and southern parts of the island. Elder Maulana Rafiqul Islam noted that this level of damage has never been seen before.
Former union member Habib Khan said the erosion from the recent tides has left residents living in constant fear. “Warnings are frequent, and people are always on edge,” he added.
Businessman Rahim Uddin explained, “We are barely surviving. There are no tourists, and the island is breaking apart.” Resident Abdul Malek blamed strong winds accompanying high tides for the recent destruction.
Local journalist and poet Nupa Alam from Teknaf emphasized that climate change and rising sea levels are accelerating the island’s destruction.
Acting Chairman of the Union Parishad, Faizul Islam, said, “The people of St. Martin’s are suffering on all fronts—no income, no access, and now erosion. It feels like we’re living in a different country altogether.” He demanded embankments and block installations around the island to save it from further damage.
A.N.M. Helal Uddin of the Cox’s Bazar Citizen Forum questioned why erosion is worsening even after tourism was restricted. He urged the government to investigate the real issues and support local communities.
Marine scientist and former Director General of the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, Dr. Sayeed Mahmud Belal Haider, gave a grim analysis. According to him, the island’s natural defences were systematically destroyed over the past three decades:
• Coconut and kea forests were cut down.
• Massive rocks along the shores were extracted for building roads and infrastructure.
• Coral colonies beneath the sea were destroyed.
He warned that while the island should have grown geologically over time, it is instead shrinking rapidly. He pointed out that scientists had already warned three decades ago that unchecked human activity could lead to the island’s disappearance.
Now, with climate change accelerating sea-level rise and increasing the frequency of cyclones and tidal surges, the island has lost its ability to resist such disasters.
Dr. Haider emphasized that quick fixes like geo-bags won’t save the island. Instead, a comprehensive and long-term strategic plan is essential. His recommendations include:
• Creating artificial reefs around the island as it is done in many other countries.
• Restoring Kea forests and coconut plantations to rebuild the island’s natural shield.
• Protecting the island’s geological and ecological balance through sustainable development.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin stated that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that the erosion issue has been officially reported to the relevant authorities for urgent action.
