The government has offered 25 islands to councils under rules enacted last year that allow leases for research and community purposes.
In an announcement made on Saturday, the Maldives Land Use Survey Authority invited councils to apply for the 25 islands designated under regulation number /8R2024- (regulation on leasing islands for purposes other than fisheries, agriculture and economic use).
Uninhabited islands to be leased to councils:
- Haa Dhaal Faridhoo - 26.46 hectares
- Haa Dhaal Hirinaidhoo - 6.40 hectares
- Shaviyani Naruribidhoo - 27.58 hectares
- Shaviyani Migoodhoo - 8.66 hectares
- Noonu Dheefuram - 2.37 hectares
- Noonu Inguraidhoo - 13.12 hectares
- Raa Hibidhoo - 2.48 hectares
- Raa Hulhudhoo - 1.63 hectares
- Raa Neyo - 7.19 hectares
- Baa Maandoo - 25.93 hectares
- Baa Dhakandhoo - 5.73 hectares
- Meemu Maahuraa - 4.84 hectares
- Faafu Makunueri - 1.28 hectares
- Dhaalu Fenfushi - 3.51 hectares
- Dhaalu Minimasgili - 4.64 hectares
- Thaa Fenmeerufushi - 1.70 hectares
- Thaa Kakolhas - 16.19 hectares
- Laamu Kadaru - 4.27 hectares
- Laamu Bodumaabulhi - 5.07 hectares
- Gaaf Alif Viligalaa - 3.25 hectares
- Gaaf Alif Munandhuva - 6.35 hectares
- Gaaf Dhaal Maanaidhoo - 16.15 hectares
- Gaaf Dhaal Aakirahuttaa - 9.21 hectares
- Gaaf Dhaal Vaareyadhuvaa - 3.44 hectares
- Gaaf Dhaal Lonudhoo - 5.96 hectares
The 25 islands are to be leased based on proposals submitted by councils for the development of the islands.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu previously said that islands either within a council’s jurisdiction or part of the same atoll would only be leased with the consent of the public under agreements formed between the government and island councils.
Uninhabited islands within 700 meters of populated islands fall under the jurisdiction of the island council but some councils do not make any use of such islands.
