Diving ban at Dhonfanu: MATATO concerned about disruption to tourism

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has expressed concern over the decision of the Baa Atoll Dhonfanu island council to ban diving in the island's shallows.

In a statement issued on Thursday, MATATO said the decision of the Dhonfanu council comes at a time when tourism in Maldives ‘depends heavily on natural assets’ such as Hanifaru Bay and the surrounding area, which has been designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

MATATO said the decision by the island council to ban diving in Dhonfanu's lagoon will not only disrupt the livelihoods of locals but also ‘undermines the country's reputation as a world-class destination’.

At the same time, MATATO noted that businesses involved in the tourism industry, including many businesses operating guesthouses, safaris, and resorts, depend on profits made from excursions in the lagoon area.

“The area under restriction is not limited to a single house reef; it extends to a 700-meter radius, including lagoons widely used by liveaboards, safari vessels, and guesthouse operators. This means that the lagoon next to Dhonfanu, a critical anchorage and transit point for many boats, is also being blocked.”

MATATO Statement on Closure of Dhonfanu House Reef pic.twitter.com/W9eAJxFE4u

— MATATO - PATA Maldives Chapter (@matatoMV) September 11, 2025

Highlighting the issue of land reclamation in Dhonfanu, MATATO stressed the risk of destruction of the delicate marine environment due to dredging projects in the atoll.

At the same time, MATATO said protecting the Hanifaru Bay areas is important for Maldives to remain the world's most popular tourist destination. Therefore, MATATO has called on the government to ‘prioritize long-term national interest over short-term demands’.

On August 13, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded a contract to reclaim 13 hectares of land in Dhonfanu, a small island with a population of some 400 people. The agreement was signed during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island and drew criticism from environmental advocates over its implications for Hanifaru Bay, which is a popular tourist destination.

Then in a post on X, President Muizzu said he has decided to scrap the project in light of public concern over its potential environmental implications.

However, this decision did not sit well with Dhonfanu residents who have been protesting the decision since then.

In an announcement issued this Thursday, the Dhonfanu council banned diving on the island’s reef following plans to protest at sea as part of the ongoing serial protests by the island’s residents urging the government to proceed with the land reclamation of the island.