Dhonfanu Residents Protest, Demanding Reclamation Near Hanifaru Bay

MV+ News Desk | September 9, 2025
Residents of Baa Dhonfanu gather to protest against the cancellation of the planned land reclamation project | Photo: Screengrab from @Ashvarg video

Residents of Baa Dhonfanu have staged a protest following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to cancel the planned land reclamation project on the island, a move taken amid concerns over potential environmental damage to Hanifaru Bay, the nearby UNESCO biosphere reserve.

A large number of people gathered near the island council office, calling for the reclamation to go ahead, with community leaders stating that the government had not consulted the island or the council before taking the decision. The demonstrators demanded that the dredging be expedited, arguing that the project was essential to address housing shortages.

The reclamation plan involved 13 hectares of land to be developed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). It was announced during President Muizzu’s visit to Dhonfanu last month, and the agreement with MTCC was signed on 13 August.

The project, however, drew strong opposition nationally and internationally due to its proximity to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Campaigners launched a petition on 3 September warning that reclamation could cause irreversible damage to the bay, which is home to endangered whale sharks, reef manta rays, napoleon wrasse and protected marine turtles. 

Environmental groups also cautioned that sedimentation from dredging could disrupt plankton populations, affecting the wider marine food chain and threatening fishing and tourism livelihoods.

In a statement today, President Muizzu confirmed the project would be halted, stressing that the government would not pursue initiatives opposed by the public. He said the Ministry of Construction would formally notify Dhonfanu Council of the decision.

Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib added that although the reclamation had been stopped, other projects for the island, including a new harbour and beach protection, would continue as planned.

The cancellation has left Dhonfanu divided, with some residents welcoming the move to safeguard Hanifaru Bay, while others continue to press for reclamation to resolve pressing housing concerns.

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