How eco-friendly is ecotourism in Bangladesh?

During peak tourist season, the large influx of visitors can result in overcrowding, negatively affecting the delicate ecosystem of the Sundarbans. Photo: Collected

Ecotourism is often seen as a way to balance travelling with protecting nature and helping local communities. As home to countless stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, Bangladesh has immense prospects of being a perfect destination for ecotourism. 

From the breathtaking Sundarbans mangrove forest, the largest of its kind in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the world's longest uninterrupted beach of Cox's Bazar and the serene hills of Bandarban and Rangamati, visitors can immerse themselves in the country's diverse ecosystems. The rich biodiversity includes unique flora and fauna, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger and different species of birds and fishes.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bangladesh boasts a deep cultural tapestry woven from its traditions, history, and local communities. 

Travellers can explore ancient archaeological sites, traditional villages, and colourful markets that offer an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the Bangladeshi people. Local festivals, crafts, and cuisine enhance the ecotourism experience, inviting visitors to engage meaningfully with the environment and surrounding cultures.

With more travellers eager for adventure and a deeper appreciation of sustainable practices within a vibrant cultural setting, the number of eco-resorts in Bangladesh is increasing. 

This prompts us to consider: How eco-friendly is our ecotourism? Are we preserving nature or simply marketing it under a green label while contributing to its degradation?

An eco-friendly tourism destination focuses on reducing environmental damage, appreciating local people, and protecting plants and animals. To be eco-friendly in tourism, we should work on critical areas like managing waste properly, using energy wisely, saving water, sourcing food responsibly, empowering local communities and protecting biodiversity. 

To support ecotourism, resorts and tourist spots should separate, recycle, and properly dispose of waste; utilise renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce carbon footprint; treat wastewater to protect local water sources; offer local, organic, and seasonal foods to minimise transportation-related pollution; ensure ecotourism activities do not disturb wildlife or local environments; encourage respectful behaviour among tourists, such as reducing noise on boat tours; and collaborate with local artisans, hire local workers, and share profits somewhat with the community.

The Sundarbans hold significant potential for ecotourism, though some areas require improvement. During peak tourist season, the large influx of visitors can result in overcrowding, negatively affecting the delicate ecosystem. Many young travellers, excited to enjoy their experience, often play loud music day and night without realising the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment for wildlife.

Furthermore, resorts must adopt more responsible waste management practices, as many discharge untreated sewage into rivers. While many resorts promote themselves as eco-friendly, they must align their practices with authentic sustainability standards.

Cox's Bazar, the longest natural beach in the world, is struggling with issues related to plastic waste and poorly regulated tourism. Hotels along the beachfront often consume resources excessively, and inadequate waste management contributes to littering and environmental damage. The situation is more alarming in Saint Martin Island.

The tea gardens in Sylhet and the hills of Bandarban attract visitors due to their picturesque landscapes, but the tourism infrastructure lacks environmentally friendly initiatives. In Bandarban, traditional tribal groups are often sidelined and receive little financial benefit from the revenues generated by tourism.

Examining global benchmarks, Costa Rica stands out as a leader in ecotourism. The country features eco-lodges powered by renewable energy, sustainable trekking paths, and experiences focused on biodiversity. Strong governmental policies encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

Norway's fjords exemplify sustainable tourism. Cruise vessels operating in these delicate regions must adhere to stringent emission regulations, and local communities play a vital role in managing tourism activities.

Bhutan's tourism framework is based on an ecotourism strategy called "High-Value, Low-Impact." Tourists must pay a daily fee that includes lodging, meals, and guides, supporting environmental and cultural conservation efforts.

In the Himalayas, Nepal has enforced strict rules regarding trekking permits and waste management to safeguard its vulnerable ecosystem. 

How Bangladesh can improve

The government must develop comprehensive guidelines and policies that enforce strict ecotourism standards. This includes issuing certifications for resorts that comply with these regulations and maintain environmentally friendly practices. To further promote sustainability, the government should offer tax benefits or subsidies to businesses that invest in eco-friendly infrastructure. 

Education plays a crucial role in this initiative; therefore, conducting training programs for resort owners and local communities will help them understand and adopt ecotourism best practices. Regular monitoring and audits are necessary to ensure compliance, and implementing penalties for those not adhering to the established standards can enhance accountability within the industry.

Promoting regional diversity in tourism is fundamental. This can be executed by shifting the focus away from heavily visited destinations like Cox's Bazar and Sajek Valley towards lesser-known areas, such as Kuakata or the Laldia forest and beach in Barguna. 

Although the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation lists over 1,529 tourist destinations, only a few receive significant tourist traffic. By implementing ecotourism and eco-friendly tourism models in these regions, the government can help distribute tourism's economic benefits more evenly while preserving the natural environment.

Investing in renewable energy sources and developing eco-friendly infrastructure is also critical for promoting ecotourism. This commitment contributes to environmental sustainability and enhances long-term operational efficiency. 

Creating sustainable supply chains involving sourcing materials and products locally is also vital. This approach supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. 

Lastly, engaging local communities in decision-making processes and ensuring a fair distribution of revenues fosters trust and collaboration, ultimately leading to mutually beneficial relationships.

Tourists have a responsibility to be conscientious travellers. This involves conscious efforts to avoid littering and reduce the use of single-use plastics, which can damage local ecosystems. They need to respect the unique customs and traditions of the communities they visit and the wildlife in those areas. Trained tourist guides can play a key role in this process.

Engaging in conservation efforts is another meaningful way to enhance the travel experience. Tourists can consider participating in local clean-up drives or supporting community-led conservation projects. Such involvement can make a significant difference by helping to protect delicate ecosystems and ensuring that the beauty of the environment is maintained for future generations to enjoy.

Finally, responsible tourists and social media influencers can use social media platforms to not only share the breathtaking beauty of nature but also highlight the importance of protecting the environment. By showcasing their experiences, conscious tourists can inspire others to be more mindful travellers and foster a deeper appreciation for the incredible ecosystems we all share.

Bangladesh's natural beauty is a treasure that requires careful stewardship. The government, businesses, and tourists can work together to ensure sustainable tourism practices by learning from global leaders in ecotourism and addressing local challenges. The goal should not just be economic growth but also the preservation of our environment and culture for future generations.  

Authentic ecotourism is not just about marketing a green image; it is a commitment to making tourism a force for good. It's time we make that commitment.

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examined the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.