<i>Biodiversity of Sonadia at stake</i>
Sonadia Island, rich in natural resources and bio-diversity, is under serious threat today. The ministry of environment and forestry declared it an Environmentally Critical Area (ECA) by issuing a gazette in 1999. Nonetheless, the invaluable bio-diversity of this island is now on the verge of extinction. It is high time to take necessary measures for the recovery and preservation of the remaining bio- diversity of this island.
Sonadia Island lies at the southernmost end of the Kutubjum union under Maheshkhali Thana in the district of Cox's Bazar. A special kind of mangrove forest, long beach, different species of birds and some wild animals have enriched the environment of this island. The valuable natural resources of this island include rare species of oyster, turtles, red crabs and different species of fishes. Many such species has become extinct in the meantime. In this circumstance, it is essential to restore and conserve the remaining species.
Widely significant this island is now under the grasp of land grabbers which is the main reason for the reduction of bio-diversity on this island. They are continuously destroying the mangrove forest and other natural resources for shrimp culture and salt farm. Salinity of soil of this island is increasing for these farms, which is also hampering local agriculture. The indiscriminate collection of snails, oysters and eggs of turtles, killing of sea birds and over catching of fishes are destroying their natural habitat. The lack of adequate employment of the local people is another major reason for the reduction of bio-diversity of the island.
To conserve and improve the bio-diversity of this island, the government should immediately take necessary measures. Otherwise the invaluable natural resources of this island will soon become extinct. The implementation of any plan to recover and conserve the endangered resources would require the participation and awareness of local people. Without the involvement of local people it is impossible to restore and conserve the natural resources. Since, in reality, when the people of an area are benefited by its natural resources, they become the main contributors to the conservation of those resources, the government must create alternative source of income for the local people to keep them away from engaging in activities that lead to the destruction of the bio-diversity of the island.
The government has already taken various steps for conservation of nature of Sonadia Island. 'Coastal and Wetland Bio-diversity Management Project' is one of them. As part of this project, the government has declared prohibition on cutting trees of the forests in order to conserve the bio-diversity. Indiscriminate catching of fish, collection of oysters and illegal killing of birds are also prohibited. Some necessary measures have also been adopted to safeguard the habitat of sea turtles and wild animals. Nevertheless, the critical resources of this island are on the verge of extinction for the lack of proper implementation of these policies. In order to conserve these resources, more measures and regular supervision are required.
Although there've existed relevant laws even at the grassroots level, in reality they do not find any application. The government should strengthen the existing laws and ensure their appropriate use. Besides it should create awareness among local people through advertisements in mass media, documentary films and other means of propaganda and motivation. All these measures would prevent the extinction of natural resources and bio-diversity of many fold important Sonadia Island.
Nadia Rubaiat studies Environmental Science and Resource Management at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University.
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