NGO criticises reduction of protected areas in Addu Nature Park

A local environmental organisation in Addu City has raised concerns over recent changes to the protected boundaries of the Addu Nature Park.

The Ministry of Environment recently amended regulations governing the management and protection of designated areas within the park.

Under the revised regulations, the protected area has been divided into two zones.

Zone 1, identified as “Core Areas”, includes:

Zone 2 includes terrestrial and marine areas surrounding the designated core zones.

Environmental NGO Project Thimaaveshi stated that the revised boundaries were introduced without consultation with the local community or the Addu City Council.

The organisation alleged that the reduction of protected areas in Eidigali Kilhi and Koattey was intended to facilitate land reclamation activities in Fishimathi Kulhi and surrounding wetland areas.

The group criticised Environment Minister Ali Shareef over the decision.

Project Thimaaveshi has been campaigning against reclamation works in the Fishimathi area since last year in connection with the Addu road development project.

According to the organisation:

The group stated that residents of Addu would continue efforts to protect the nature park and oppose further reclamation in the area.

“Our environment is far more important than the self-interest of politicians,” the organisation said in a statement shared on X.