In the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation, the idyllic Keylakunu Island in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll of the Maldives finds itself at the center of a compelling debate.
The ecological significance of the island stands tall. Keylakunu unfolds like a living canvas, where towering trees create a canopy that blankets the terrain, forming not only a visual spectacle but an essential sanctuary for the island’s flora and fauna.
The island stands out for its extraordinary Avicennia marina forest—a singular entity in island ecosystems globally. This distinctive feature forms the backbone of the island's rich biodiversity, making it a crucial player in global conservation efforts.
The government's vision, however, announced by Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy, aims to develop Keylakunu as an eco-tourism zone. This includes plans for constructing floating villas on the lagoon. The Visitor Economic Council, chaired by President Mohamed Muizzu, assures that careful consideration is being given to ensure minimal impact on the coral reefs.
While the government aims to boost the international and domestic appeal of the Maldives by introducing unique selling points, this decision faces opposition from a majority of environmental NGOs advocating for conservation. ECOCARE Maldives, a non-profit environmental organization, has once again raised its voice in support of preserving the island's unique ecosystem in the face of the government's plan to transform it into an eco-tourism zone.
Maeed Mohamed Zahir, the Director of Advocacy for ECOCARE Maldives, passionately emphasizes the ecological significance of Keylakunu. He reiterates the organization's call to preserve the island in its natural state, citing its classification as the only island in the Maldives that can technically be termed a wild mangrove forest.
Maeed contends that Keylakunu should be protected and designated as a biosphere reserve to guarantee its conservation for future generations. He strongly believes in the need to limit human influence as much as possible in these significant environmental hotspots, emphasizing the island's status as a natural heritage site.
Adding to ECOCARE’s stance, in a collective declaration, Transparency Maldives, Association for Democracy in the Maldives, Be Leaf, Save the Maldives and Zero Waste Maldives, together with EcoCare Maldives, have expressed their concerns regarding the resolution.
The NGOs stated their disapproval over successive governments encroaching on environmentally protected areas, causing irreversible harm to the Maldives' natural heritage and community livelihood resources.
Highlighting a recommendation from the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems in 2001, the NGOs emphasized the need to designate Keylakunu as a biosphere reserve. They stressed the significance of mangrove forests in locking away 'Blue Carbon' and addressing the climate crisis.
This isn't the first time Keylakunu has been considered for tourism development. Previous administrations, including that of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, faced criticism from ECOCARE Maldives and other NGOS for similar proposals. Even under the leadership of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, efforts were made to boost tourism in the northern region, but Keylakunu, along with its reef and lagoon area, was designated as protected areas in December 2018.
The island has been devoid of inhabitants for over 200 years, ever since a tropical storm ravaged the area, compelling its residents to permanently relocate to nearby islands.
The clash between development aspirations and environmental conservation principles intensifies at Keylakunu Island. As NGOs across the nation call to ‘keep the island as it is’ to protect this ecological gem, the government's vision for eco-tourism prompts reflection on the delicate balance required to ensure sustainable development without compromising the natural wonders that make places like Keylakunu unique and vital for the global heritage. The outcome of this debate will not only shape the future of Keylakunu but will also serve as an example of the ongoing struggle between progress and preservation worldwide.
Sign In
