Hanifaru Bay, nestled within the Baa Atoll of the Maldives, is not just a body of water; it's a sanctuary. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it 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. 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.

Now, the essence of Hanifaru Bay is under threat. A government initiative to reclaim 13 hectares of land perilously close to this fragile ecosystem casts a shadow over its future. The looming threat is not merely one of ecological degradation but of economic and cultural loss. Reclamation processes disrupt crucial water flows, leading to sedimentation that chokes the very plankton blooms essential for manta rays and whale sharks to thrive. As coral reefs diminish, a fundamental pillar supporting marine biodiversity will erode.

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.

The proposed reclamation plan not only risks the survival of individual species but endangers the very fabric of communities that rely on and respect the ocean. The Maldives' vibrant eco-tourism sector, which draws visitors from around the world to witness its coastal wonders, and the fishing communities whose traditions are woven into the maritime tapestry, face an uncertain future.

This petition calls for a reevaluation of the land reclamation project near Hanifaru Bay. We urge the government to consider alternative development strategies that harmonize economic growth with ecological preservation. By prioritizing comprehensive and transparent environmental assessments, we can protect the biodiversity that defines Hanifaru Bay and uphold the livelihoods it supports.

Join us in advocating for sustainable stewardship of our planet's precious ecosystems. Sign this petition to halt the 13-hectare land reclamation and safeguard the natural heritage of Hanifaru Bay for future generations.


Petition Update:

Recently, the government announced a halt to the Dhonfanu reclamation project, a step in the right direction. However, other major reclamation projects remain ongoing in Baa Atoll, including:

Goifulhafehendhoo Lagoon Resort Project

Thulhadhoo Airport Development (44.7 hectares)
 

Why This Matters

 These projects collectively threaten:

•  Coral reefs, including ancient colonies over 500 years old, crucial for the resilience of the wider reef system.
• Seagrass beds, essential habitats for marine life
  Eco-tourism and livelihoods that generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually
• The well-being and resilience of local communities
   

Focusing on individual Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for each project fails to capture the cumulative ecological damage. Concurrent dredging and reclamation across the atoll produces sediment plumes that overwhelm coral reefs and seagrass beds, leading to irreversible ecosystem collapse.

What We Are Asking
 

We, the undersigned, call on the Maldivian Government and relevant authorities to:

• Implement an immediate moratorium on all reclamation projects in Baa Atoll until a rigorous, independent cumulative impact assessment is completed.
• Ensure future development decisions prioritise science-based, sustainable, nature-driven solutions.
• Respect the voices and concerns of local communities, ensuring that promised development does not come at the cost of their ecosystems.
• Review past reclamation projects and assess the long-term failure of mitigation measures to prevent environmental harm.
    

Take Action
 

We cannot allow piecemeal political gestures to replace comprehensive, science-backed, and sustainable development. Baa Atoll’s ecosystems are irreplaceable, and their loss would affect generations to come.

 Sign this petition to demand a transparent, independent, atoll-wide review and protection for Baa Atoll. 

Together, we can protect Baa Atoll,  a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the heart of Maldives’ natural and cultural heritage.

Don’t let our future generations ask us, “Kobaa Baa ބ?”

(Where is Baa?)

Keep sharing. Keep raising your voice. The fight for our future is now.