More than 4,000 individuals have signed a petition calling on the government to stop the 13-hectare land reclamation project in Baa Dhonfanu island that threatens the ecosystem of the nearby Hanifaru Bay.

The petition was started by the environmental protection NGO Resilience Maldives.

So far, 4,155 individuals have signed the petition, which states that Hanifaru Bay, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, serves as a vibrant habitat for some of the world's most awe-inspiring marine life, including the endangered manta rays, majestic whale sharks, and a myriad of coral reefs.

It said that these ecosystems are intricately tied to the biodiversity of our planet and underpin the livelihoods of many local communities who rely on eco-tourism and fisheries.

The sequence of recent policies that erode environmental oversight has only intensified these concerns. Environmental impact assessments, vital for understanding the long-term consequences of such projects, have been veiled in opacity, providing little solace to those who call the Maldives home. It's not just the marine species at stake but every community member whose life and economy pivot around the sustainability of these waters.
Resilience Maldives Petition

The petition called for a reevaluation of the land reclamation project near Hanifaru Bay and urged the government to consider alternative development strategies that harmonize economic growth with ecological preservation

Hanifaru News