An online petition is gathering support across the Maldives, urging the government to stop a land dredging project planned close to Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll. The bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the country’s most treasured marine sanctuaries, known worldwide for manta ray gatherings and rich biodiversity.
Growing Public Concern
The petition, started by local environmental group Resilience Maldives on Wednesday, has already collected more than 3,000 signatures. Supporters fear the project could harm the fragile ecosystem and put at risk not only marine life but also the tourism and fishing industries that rely on its health.
The government has approved dredging 13 hectares of land from Dhonfanu Bay, located near Hanifaru. Environmentalists say the move could disturb natural water flow, damage coral reefs, and weaken the food chain that supports fish species in the area. Such changes, they warn, would create long-term damage to the marine habitat and threaten the livelihoods of nearby communities.
Why Hanifaru Bay Matters
Hanifaru Bay has earned a reputation as one of the best sites in the world to see manta rays and whale sharks. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to the Maldives to snorkel in its waters, making it a vital part of marine tourism. For locals, the bay is more than just a tourist attraction; it represents a delicate balance between nature and livelihood.
“Disturbing this ecosystem would be a mistake that cannot be undone,” Resilience Maldives stated in the petition. The group emphasized that once coral reefs and feeding grounds are destroyed, it is nearly impossible to restore them to their original state.
Call for a Full Environmental Review
The petition urges the government to immediately pause the dredging and conduct a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Without such a study, the group argues, there is no clear understanding of how the project could affect the area’s marine environment in the long run.
Many Maldivians are echoing this demand, saying development should not come at the cost of natural heritage. Critics point out that Hanifaru Bay’s status as a protected UNESCO site should be reason enough to apply extra caution before moving forward with heavy construction activities.
Project Awarded Despite Opposition
The dredging contract was awarded last month to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island. While officials have not publicly commented on the petition, environmental groups say they will continue to push for answers until the government addresses their concerns.
What Happens Next
As the petition continues to gain signatures, the spotlight is now on whether authorities will reconsider the project. For many, the debate goes beyond dredging. It raises a larger question of how the Maldives can balance development with protecting the natural environment that defines the nation’s identity and sustains its economy.
If Hanifaru Bay’s ecosystem is placed at risk, environmentalists argue, the damage would not be limited to marine life. It would ripple outward, affecting tourism, local jobs, and the Maldives’ global reputation as a leading eco-destination.
