Land Use Planning for Development of Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Case Study of St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh

Abstract

St. Martin's Island with a total area of about eight sq. km is the only coral bearing island of Bangladesh. The ecosystem of the island is facing environmental threat due to excessive tourism during the last few years. Coastal erosion, coral extraction, domestic pollution, unplanned physical development and destructive fishing techniques are the major environmental threats occurring due to uncontrolled tourism activities. With the assault of unregulated tourism, the pressure on the scanty land of the island is ever increasing. The island has been identified as an environmentally sensitive area. The special importance of this island requires developmental control and management tools to prevent haphazard and unplanned development. In this study, a viable land use plan was proposed to protect the Island from further environmental degradation. © 2010, JAPAN SECTION OF THE REGIONAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL. All rights reserved.