Petition launched to halt Dhonfanu dredging, citing threat to Hanifaru Bay

A petition has been initiated on Change.org on September 3, to cease the ongoing dredging operations in Dhonfanu, Baa Atoll, citing potential detrimental impacts on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay.

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded a contract to reclaim 13 hectares of land in Dhonfanu, an island with a population of only 398. The agreement for this project was signed on August 13th during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's official visit to the island, a move that has drawn concern from environmentalists.

The petition emphasizes that Hanifaru Bay is more than just a marine area; it serves as a crucial feeding and mating ground in the Maldives for several endangered marine species. These include Whale Sharks (Endangered), Reef Manta Rays (Vulnerable) and Napoleon Wrasse (Endangered) alongside protected marine turtles.

Such ecosystems are vital components of the Earth's natural systems, and the petition highlights that the livelihoods of many islanders, who depend on tourism and fishing, are intrinsically linked to these areas.

As the petition reports, the importance of Hanifaru Bay is now under threat. It warns that the potential threat is not solely environmental but extends to economic and cultural dimensions.

Land reclamation activities in the area are predicted to alter the marine water cycle, potentially leading to increased sedimentation. This, in turn, could endanger plankton, the microscopic organisms essential as a food source for reefs and sharks.

Furthermore, the dredging project is seen as a threat not only to the survival of individual species but also to the future of the island communities whose existence is deeply tied to the sea.

Consequently, the petition titled 'Stop the 13-Hectare Land Reclamation Threatening Hanifaru Bay’s Marine Ecosystem' is now calling for a thorough review of the proposed land reclamation project near Hanifaru Bay and is urging the public to sign their petition to halt the development. 

The petition has 1,832 verified signatures at the time of this article's publishing.