“Mashi Kulhi Platform”: Delights for Kulhudhuffushi Mangrove

HDh. Kulhudhuffushi’s Mashi Kulhi (Clay mangrove) is the symbol of the island and a national treasure. With many people flocking to the mangrove to take in its beauty, the Kulhudhuffushi City Council has installed an overwater platform in order for people to experience its beauty even more.

Named the Mashi Kulhu Platform, it was constructed under a UNDP grant, with the city council and their private association Zig Zag coming together to make it happen. More than MVR 2.6 million of the council budget was spent on the project.

The platform was opened ceremoniously on Wednesday with UNDP Regional Governance Advisor Diana Torres having attended.

Mayor Mohamed Athif stated during the ceremony that Kulhudhuffushi’s Mashi Kulhi is unique compared to the other ones in Maldives. The Mayor pointed out that it is the largest clay mangrove in Maldives.

“We proudly call it Mashi Kulhi because we want to,” said the Mayor.

Mayor Athif stated that places such as wetlands and mangroves are carbon sinks and that such places store more carbon compared to normal forests.

Kulhudhuffushi used to have two large mangroves. The southern mangrove has been drained completely, with a large part of the northern mangrove having been drained in order to build the airport. However, there is still a large part of the mangrove on both sides of the airport. 

The mayor stated with the use for more land becoming more apparent, the aforementioned areas need to be protected. In line with that, they have decided to protect these places and have sent in a request to the Environment Ministry, as said by the mayor.

“The hope is that the Kulhudhuffushi mangrove will become a place with an exemplary management plan that will benefit the people and contribute to the island’s economy. That is the goal and hope of today’s city council,” said the mayor.

The mayor also said that the mangrove is a major resource for the growth of the island’s tourism, with related projects set to take place. The mayor also stated that the adjacent southern road will be developed so that people can walk along it.