Cox’s Bazar is showing signs of winter as pink Sagarlata flowers bloom along the coast. At Mermaid Beach Resort, the flowers grow among green leaves and draw tourists’ attention; the sea waves, green dunes, and pink Sagarlata flowers have created a striking natural setting in the resort area.
Sagarlata, which grows naturally on coastal dunes, is important not only for the landscape but also for maintaining the coastal environment. Its spreading vines and roots help hold the sand together, reducing dune erosion and helping protect the natural coastal ecosystem.
Mermaid Beach Resort General Manager Rana Karmakar said Sagarlata and its flowers are an important part of the area’s natural beauty, and the resort is giving special attention to their conservation.
“We are taking care of the plants and raising awareness among tourists so that the Sagarlata is not damaged,” he said. “Tourists are particularly encouraged not to pick the flowers, uproot the vines or walk over them.”
He said the resort is also working to highlight the area’s natural attractions to tourists.
“Alongside the sea, Sagarlata and its flowers also attract tourists,” Karmakar said. “We want tourists to enjoy the beauty while also becoming more aware of the need to protect nature.”
Karmakar said Sagarlata is gradually disappearing from different parts of Cox’s Bazar’s coastline. Protecting the naturally growing Sagarlata at Mermaid from damage and allowing it to spread is therefore one of the resort’s priorities, he said.
Environmentalists said Sagarlata plays an important role in protecting coastal dunes. Its roots hold the sand together, while its spreading vines help maintain dune stability.
However, Sagarlata habitats are being damaged in many coastal areas because of unplanned development, uncontrolled tourist movement, and other human activities. They said conserving Sagarlata is therefore important not only to preserve natural beauty but also to protect the coastline.
They said greater awareness and collective efforts are needed to preserve the natural setting.
The pink Sagarlata flowers may attract tourists, but the plant also plays an important role in protecting the coastal environment.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
