The people of Vaavu atoll have gathered in Kolhudhiffushi lagoon to protest against the sale of Bodufinolhu.
People from all the islands of Vaavu atoll and people involved in the tourism business are taking part in the peaceful protest.
Thinadhoo council President Shifaq Hussain told Adhadhu that the sale of Bodufinolhu is a big challenge to tourism in the region.
He noted that the lagoon is used by tourists staying at guesthouses and resorts in Vaavu atoll, Kaafu atoll and Ari atoll.
Protesters holding placards. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu
Shifaq added that Bodufinolhu is the only sandbank in Vaavu atoll which is accessible to tourists during all tides.
"This is a peaceful demonstration. We want to send a message to the government that there is no place in the atoll other than this sandbank where tourists can visit. So please don't sell this sandbank," he said.
Noting that the main purpose of the protest is to convey the concerns of the people to government officials, Shifaq said a total of 71 businesses have already signed a petition against the sale of Bodufinolhu.
"We are confident that the government will listen to our voice and resolve the matter because 71 tourism businesses from all the islands of this atoll including Thinadhoo, Fulidhoo, Keyodhoo, Felidhoo, Gulhi, Maafushi and Guraidhoo have signed the petition," he stated.
Two protesters on a jetski. --Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu
Vaavu atoll Bodufinolhu and the lagoon surrounding the sandbank- which is located 7.7 kilometres from Thinadhoo - were sold for USD 729,000 (MVR 11.2 million).
Meanwhile, the Vaavu atoll council sent a letter to Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal on Monday to express concern over the sale of the sandbank. The letter stated that the sale was carried out unlawfully without any consultation with the atoll council.
The letter added that tourism is rapidly growing in Vaavu atoll and that the atoll's natural resources are widely used by guesthouses, some resorts and safaris.
As protesters raise their voices peacefully during today's demonstration, they demand to keep the sandbank open to the public for tourism purposes.
“Rather than reserving it for the use of about 400 guests, it will be more beneficial for the government if it is available for about 2,000 tourists. That's because tourists don't visit the Maldives to stay in their rooms, they come here to see the beauty," Shifaq said.
