Government cancels auction of protected islands in UNESCO biosphere reserve

The fisheries ministry has cancelled auctions of four protected islands in the Baa Atoll UNESCO biosphere reserve following a social media outcry.

The government last week opened up bidding for the lease of some 20 islands in the north-central atoll. It later emerged that four of the islands lie in areas listed as protected areas.

The islands are to be leased for Varuvaa, a stewardship program that prohibits major economic activities such as tourism, fishing or agriculture, but allows stewards to make money from activities such as coconut harvesting.

The islands up for rent include Vandhoomaafaru finolhu in the Hanifaru Bay renowned for manta ray sightings, and Dhorukandu Uthuruhuraa, Dhorukandu Dhekunuhuraa and Bathalahuraa frequented by marine turtles and black-naped terns.