Please raise your voice and sign this petition to support, protect and safeguard Hithadhoo community’s resilience.

The communities of Addu City have been experiencing the ill effects of widespread deforestation and the destruction of fertile land for several years. Unchecked deforestation of the islands of Addu by the City Council has been causing deep anxiety and concerns about loss and damage to natural resources and critical habitats for local community livelihoods and wildlife. These are essential public resources that are part of the natural heritage, livelihood assets and food security necessary for community resilience.

Once again, Addu City Council is planning to carry out significant destruction to one of the final remaining green and fertile areas of Hithadhoo (farmland in the Fehelakilhi region) to build a road of questionable need. 

One of the farmers who kept inquiring from higher ups and decision makers always ended up with the same answer - "it's tharahgee."

The plans will deforest and destroy a key source of community livelihood, taro crops and other food crops on which local people depend. Ad-hoc decisions are made and executed with impunity, without regard to the public and community interest and wellbeing. Such actions do not consider the cost-benefit of these activities, leaving the community poorer and more vulnerable. The full picture is never shown nor thought of. Food security is one of the most important issues affecting our islands. The destruction of on of the last remaining fertile lands suitable for food crops must not be tolerated.

We call on the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Dr Maryam Mariya, and all other relevant authorities, to intervene and prevent the loss of taro fields, fertile lands and local livelihood assets in Hithadhoo. These losses will undermine community lives, livelihoods, food security, environmental and economic resilience.

We call on Addu City Council to stop the planned destruction of the community’s taro crops and fertile lands in Hithadhoo.