Vaavu atoll council has rejected a government proposal to lease a lagoon in the atoll, claiming that talks were already underway to protect the area.
The tourism ministry wants to lease a 400 hectare area in Fohtheyo lagoon which will be reclaimed for the development of a resort.
Atoll council president Shujau Ali told Adhadhu that the ministry did not consult with the council before coming to a decision.
“The ministry is required to consult with the atoll council before making any leasing decisions. Our concern is that they made all of the decisions regarding the lagoon lease before consulting with us, and only then did they want to discuss it with us,” he stated.
“This is not how the process is supposed to work.”
The tourism ministry was unavailable for comment.
Fohtheyo lagoon is a stunning natural area with a wealth of marine life. It has around 12 sandbanks at low tide, making it an excellent place to explore.
Shujau stated that the atoll council has been in talks with the environment ministry for the past four months to designate it as a protected area.
An environment ministry official said although discussions were ongoing to protect the lagoon, the plan can only be finalized after obtaining the input of all relevant authorities.
