In a bold move for environmental protection, Bangladesh has initiated its first large-scale coral reef restoration project near Saint Martin’s Island, off the coast of Cox’s Bazar. The initiative, supported by international NGOs and local universities, involves planting coral nurseries to revive dying reefs affected by warming seas and pollution.
Marine biologists from Chattogram University say early signs are promising, with over 1,500 coral fragments already showing growth. Artificial reef structures are also being introduced to encourage marine biodiversity.
Conservationists in India’s Andaman Islands and Sri Lanka are following the project as a possible blueprint. With shared waters and ecosystems, this cross-border effort may become the foundation for a Bay of Bengal Coral Conservation Network.
