Thakandhoo's historical sites to be protected, cultural tourism expansion on the books

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu today pledged to protect the historical sites located in Haa Alifu atoll's Thakandhoo, and added that the island's cultural tourism will be expanded.

Speaking with locals from the island, the president said that from a historical perspective, Thakandhoo plays a significant role in the current administration's policy of developing nationalism.

"It is one of the very few islands that has something unique that is very important in terms of the country's history preservation policy. It is my policy to budget for these historical sites to preserve their true identity and preserve them for future generations and to benefit children who study history as well as the [general] public" he said.

He also said that as there is a need to focus on Thakandhoo on a national level, the matter has been budgeted for this year, and that the government would spend on protecting such sites in other islands as well.

Highlighting that he would introduce cultural and historical tourism, Dr. Muizzu promised the people of Thakandhoo that cultural tourism would be promoted there.

"If such places can be protected and their stories can be told, it will be a great opportunity for tourists who are history lovers. Local tourism will expand and it will be a good investment," he said.

According to historians, the Thakandhoo cemetery is about 400 years old and contains 1722 ancient tombstones.