Petition Launched To Halt Dhonfanu Dredging Over Threats To Hanifaru Bay

A petition has been launched on Change.org calling for an immediate halt to dredging operations in Dhonfanu, Baa Atoll, amid concerns over potential damage to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The petition was initiated on 3 September following the commencement of reclamation works. 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 398. The agreement was signed on 13 August during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to the island, a move that has drawn criticism from environmental advocates.

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Hanifaru Bay is recognised as one of the most important marine habitats in the Maldives, serving as a critical feeding and breeding ground for several endangered species. Among them are whale sharks, reef manta rays, napoleon wrasse and protected marine turtles. The petition emphasises that these ecosystems are essential not only for biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of islanders who depend on tourism and fishing.

Concerns outlined in the petition include the risk of sedimentation caused by dredging, which could disrupt the marine water cycle and endanger plankton populations. As plankton form the foundation of the food chain for reefs and larger marine life, their decline could have widespread consequences for the ecosystem.

Campaigners argue that the project threatens not only the survival of vulnerable species but also the long-term sustainability of island communities closely tied to the sea. They warn that the issue carries environmental, economic and cultural implications.