Maldives removes 3 islands, adds 6 lagoons and 1 island for tourism lease

The Ministry of Tourism has revised its list of islands and lagoons available for tourism development, removing three islands and adding six lagoons and one island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. This update was issued on Monday as part of the third amendment to the ministry’s original list.

The islands removed from the list are:

• Lh. Dhiffushi (with Maidhoo) – 15.17 + 20.99 hectares
• Th. Kanimeedhoo – 10 hectares
• Gdh. Kalhehuttaa – 7.61 hectares

The ministry did not specify if the islands were removed due to their allocation to other parties or because the proposed projects were no longer being pursued.

The new additions to the list are:

• Lagoon in Baa Atoll – 0.60 hectares
• Lagoon in Kaafu Atoll – 0.20 hectares
• Lagoon in Kaafu Atoll – 82 hectares
• Lagoon in Kaafu Atoll – 47 hectares
• Lagoon in Vaavu Atoll – 0.14 hectares
• Lagoon in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll – 0.35 hectares
• Gdh. Raaverinkolhihuttaa – 0.77 hectares

The ministry has emphasised that proposals for tourism development must clearly specify the area and size of the lagoon. The proposal submission form is available on the Ministry of Tourism’s website.