SDLC 112 Culture Post # 4: Cox Bazaar

[Noraya Razzaque]

COX BAZAAR

কক্স বাজার

Cox bazaar was in the running for the 8th natural wonder of the world with its reputation as the longest sea beach in the world with 75 miles. It was named after Captain Cox, a British diplomat of the area in the 18th century. It is one of the most popular tourist locations in Bangladesh as well as a vacation spot for the natives, earning the spot of the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Cox bazaar is renowned for its natural beauty with rolling hills, greenery, and crystal clear water. 

Though Coz Bazaar is an important asset to the tourism economy, tourism is threatening Cox Bazaar's environmental health. Local vendors sell souvenirs made out of sea shells or dead corals to foreigners and the popularity encourages local vendors to continue taking from the environment, which is destructive to the environment. Other environmental concerns are buildings encroaching the beach and mass tourist pollution. There aren't strict rules and regulations regarding the treatment of Cox Bazaar and so plastic bottles and other trash litter the beach. 

The Bangladeshi government is aiming for almost a million tourists by 2021 which would help boost the economy by creating at least half a million jobs as well as bring in tourist revenue. However, with tourism growing, some environmental organizations are worried about what it would mean for the environment and land development. In order to address that concern, there has been a push for promoting environmental friendly development in order to preserve the beauty and nature of Cox Bazaar in the midst of tourism. 

Sources:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-19340259

http://www.discoverybangladesh.com/dream_dest_coxsbazar.html