MATATO condemned the Dhonfanu Council's unilateral decision to close the island's house reef to diving and snorkeling, warning it threatens tourism livelihoods and the Maldives' global reputation. The council announced the closure after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu scrapped a land reclamation project earlier this week following resident opposition.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, MATATO expressed “deep concern” over the closure, stressing that natural treasures such as Hanifaru Bay and its surrounding reefs are not local assets to be monopolized, but national treasures belonging to every Maldivian.
Word for word from the report in The Standard. Open the report
Any restriction or disruption to access not only threatens the livelihood of countless Maldivians but also undermines the country’s reputation as a world-class destination
Thousands of jobs in guesthouses, safari operators, and resorts rely on the sustainability and accessibility of these marine areas. Such closures and reclamation activities risk destroying biodiversity that cannot be replaced — and once lo…
Protecting these ecosystems is essential to maintaining our position as a leading global destination
We call on authorities to prioritize long-term national interest over short-term demands
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The closure covers a 700-meter radius around Dhonfanu’s reef, extending into lagoons widely used by guesthouse operators, liveaboards, and safari vessels.
Word for word from the report in The Standard. Open the report
the Dhonfanu Council, citing protests over a canceled land reclamation project, announced it would block reef access “for safety reasons.”
Word for word from the report in The Standard. Open the report
The move followed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision earlier this week to scrap the reclamation initiative after residents voiced opposition.
Word for word from the report in The Standard. Open the report
