MVR 400,000 fined for illegal activities in protected Baa atoll Nelivaru lagoon

Several employees of Soneva Fushi Resort have been fined MVR 448,375 for engaging in illegal activities at the protected Nelivaru lagoon in Baa atoll, which was designated as a protected area on November 9, 2023.

The activities took place on December 18, 2023, when Soneva Fushi employees, along with tourists, entered the Nelivaru area after 6:00 pm, in violation of regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The resort employees were involved in a series of actions that disrupted the protected environment of the lagoon, including illuminating the area at night, making noise, and lighting fires.

The matter was reported by both the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office and the police to EPA, following a visit by representatives who asked the resort employees and tourists to leave the area. However, the group initially refused to comply, continuing until they had completed their planned activities. They only left after cleaning up the area.

In its letter to the EPA, Soneva Fushi admitted to the illegal activities, including:

- Entering the Nelivaru area without prior permission from the Biosphere Reserve Office

- Illuminating the area at night

- Lighting and handling fires

EPA noted that such actions violated the Natural Protected Areas Regulations, prompting the fine of MVR 448,375 for the resort. The fine must be paid within 30 days, starting from last Wednesday.