Resilience Maldives

11/09/2025

Baa Atoll Needs a Better Map, Not More Reclamation! Moratorium, Managed access, Nature positive Development. Dhonfanu deserves land, Not lagoon fill.

Sign to stop Baa reclamations, build up, not out!

https://chng.it/KxVwD4rGQt

what’s happening ?The Community (Dhonfanu’s people)When a village is promised land the way a riverboat gambler promises easy money, you can count on a quarrel before you count your winnings. Dhonfanu’s people have asked, rightly, for housing, space, and a fair shot at prosperity. But the “fi...

09/09/2025

🚨 Petition Update:

Don’t let our future generations ask us: “Kobaa Baa ބ?” (Where is Baa?)

We’ve updated our petition to address all ongoing reclamation projects in Baa Atoll, not just Dhonfanu. The ecosystem, coral reefs, and communities across the atoll are at risk.

https://www.change.org/SaveHanifaruBay

https://chng.it/GPTDcwMcTN

Keep sharing. Keep raising your voice. The fight for our future is now.

Stop the 13-Hectare Land Reclamation Threatening Hanifaru Bay’s Marine Ecosystem

09/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who has stood with Baa!

Without the insights and dedication of Maldivian local organisations, this would not have been possible:
Ecocare Maldives, Save the Beach Maldives and countless others,

And without the support of our international partners Blue Marine Foundation Island Innovation EarthDay.org MarineBio.orgGreenpeace International Dr. Ajantha Perera Save Our Seas Foundation Save the Planet Conservation International The Ocean Agency Oceana

As well as our countless global partners, countless mails, research, and petition might never have reached the global stage. Your solidarity has helped open the world’s eyes to the struggles and resilience of our island communities and made a huge impact.

This journey is a reminder that we are stronger together. From island communities to global networks, our collective voice is rising for Baa Atoll, for the reefs, and for the generations yet to come. Together, we can protect what is irreplaceable and demand a future rooted in resilience, sustainability, and hope.

Don’t stop at here!

To the Maldivian government, don't let our future generation ask us, "Kobaa Baa ބ ?"

Dr Mohamed Muizzu

03/09/2025

The Stark Choice: Conservation Vs Development,

On the left, you see the natural wonder of Hanifaru Bay: a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where manta rays and whale sharks gather in one of the world's largest congregations. Eco-tourism built on this pristine environment generates over $311 million annually for the Maldivian economy.

On the right, you see the Dhonfanu land reclamation project, a construction effort valued at $13.8 million. This project poses a direct threat to the bay, as dredging releases sediment that can suffocate coral reefs and alter the delicate currents that make the bay a unique feeding ground for these magnificent creatures.

This isn't just a conflict between profit and nature. It's a choice between a short-term, one-time project and a sustainable, multi-million dollar industry that benefits both the environment and the local community for generations to come.

03/09/2025

Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a globally treasured marine habitat famous for its incredible gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks. This fragile ecosystem supports rich biodiversity and sustains local communities through eco-tourism and fishing.

But now, just 1 km away, the Maldivian government plans a massive 13-hectare land reclamation project on Dhonfanu Island, with only 398 residents, that seriously threatens this natural wonder.

Why this matters:

• Land reclamation will cause sedimentation and disrupt delicate water currents that fuel plankton bloomsthe manta rays’ main food source.

• Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and vital marine habitats will be smothered and degraded.

• This damage puts millions in eco-tourism revenue and jobs at risk.

• Once destroyed, these ecosystems can take decades or more to recover , if at all.

• The government abolished the Environmental Protection Authority and shifted environmental oversight, raising concerns about transparency and safeguards.

Hanifaru Bay is a natural treasure and economic lifeline for the Maldives. We must prioritize protecting it over short-term development gains.

Join us in calling on the government to:
�✋ Immediately halt the reclamation project�🔍 Publish a transparent Environmental Impact Assessment�🌿 Uphold strict protections to safeguard Hanifaru Bay and its marine wildlife

Our marine heritage belongs to all Maldivians and the world. Share widely, sign petitions, and let’s stand together to save Hanifaru Bay! 💙🐠🐋

https://www.change.org/SaveHanifaruBay

Stop the 13-Hectare Land Reclamation Threatening Hanifaru Bay’s Marine Ecosystem

20/01/2025

📣A new fish species alert !!!

Common Name: Maldivian Perchlet
Scientific Name: Plectranthias raki
Local Name: Raki Bureki

Congratulations to Maldives Marine Research Institute and California Academy of Sciences for this amazing discovery. Hats off to Bappu Najeeb for your endeavouring efforts in fisheries researches in the Maldives 👏👏👏

New Fish Species Discovered!!

We’re thrilled to introduce Plectranthias raki, also known as the "Raki bureki"— a stunning new-to-science species of perchlet discovered at depths of 100–125 meters in the Maldives between Rasdhoo atoll and Dhaalu atoll.

This exciting discovery is the result of the ongoing collaboration between the Maldives Marine Research Institute and the California Academy of Sciences, with funding from the ROLEX Perpetual Planet Initiative.

The name raki, meaning "shy" in Dhivehi, perfectly captures the elusive nature of this species, as it quickly hides when it senses our presence. This species stands out with unique morphological and coloring traits with a beautiful body coloration from white to light pink with yellow-orange and red-orange patches, and more!!
Read more about Raki bureki https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/135292/download/pdf/

A huge congratulations to our colleague at MMRI Bappu Najeeb and the Academy team for this incredible achievement!

📷 Luiz Rocha