Petition launched to stop land dredging near Hanifaru Bay

An online petition is gaining traction, urging the government to halt a controversial land dredging project near Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the Maldives’ most important marine ecosystems.

The petition, launched by local environmental organization Resilience Maldives on Wednesday, has already gathered over 3,000 signatures. It voices serious concern over the government's plan to dredge 13 hectares of land from Dhonfanu Bay, warning that the project could put the protected Hanifaru area at serious risk.

Hanifaru Bay is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is a key attraction for marine tourism, particularly for snorkeling and manta ray sightings. Environmentalists argue that disturbing this delicate ecosystem could have far-reaching consequences, not just for marine life, but also for the economy and communities that rely on tourism and fishing.

According to the petition, dredging the bay could alter water flow patterns, disrupt the food chain of local fish species, and lead to coral reef destruction, ultimately damaging the entire marine habitat. The group warns that this would also impact the livelihoods of people who depend on these natural resources.

The petition calls on the government to pause the project immediately and reconsider its decision. It demands that no further action be taken without conducting a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to fully understand the potential environmental damage.

The government reportedly awarded the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) the contract to carry out the dredging last month, during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island.