The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has launched a new initiative to control the dog population on St. Martin’s Island to protect its environment and biodiversity. Environmental Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan made this announcement on Wednesday during a discussion at the Forest Building in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The dog management program will commence in February 2025. The first phase will focus on sterilizing dogs to reduce their numbers. The goal is to sterilize 50% of the dogs in May and 90% in November. By 2026, all female dogs will be sterilized, with an aim to achieve 100% sterilization by 2030.
The initiative will include sterilization, regulations on food distribution, a ban on introducing new pets to the island, and mandatory sterilization of all domesticated animals. Awareness campaigns targeting children will also be conducted.
Rubaiya Ahmed, founder of the animal welfare organization Avayaronno, presented a keynote on the impact of the dog population on the island’s biodiversity. She highlighted how this initiative could significantly preserve the island’s environment and the Olive Ridley turtles, a vital part of its ecosystem.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized the development of an integrated master plan to protect St. Martin’s biodiversity. This plan will be implemented in coordination with both government and non-government organizations.
Chief Conservator of Forests Amir Hossain Chowdhury and Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr. Md. Abu Sufian attended the event.
Experts believe this initiative marks a milestone in conserving St. Martin’s Island’s unique biodiversity and sets a precedent for sustainable environmental management in the region.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Rajin Saleh
Photo: Collected
