Maamaduvvari Returns Home: A Landmark Moment for Hithaadhoo

The people of Hithaadhoo in Baa Atoll have received uplifting news: the uninhabited island of Maamaduvvari may soon return to their care. While some formal steps remain, the announcement has sparked pride, hope, and conversations about the island’s future. For the community, this is more than just land—it is a piece of their heritage and a promise for generations ahead.

A Jewel in the Atoll

Maamaduvvari rests in the turquoise embrace of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Small but ecologically important, the island is edged with sandy beaches and safeguarded by a healthy reef. Its lagoon harbors seagrass meadows and serves as a nursery for fish, while its interior supports pockets of mangrove forest—home to species like Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora mucronata, and the hardy Pemphis acidula.

Roots in Tradition

Though uninhabited today, Maamaduvvari was once part of Hithaadhoo’s livelihood network. Residents visited for seasonal farming, coconut harvesting, and gathering timber or firewood. In a densely populated atoll where land is scarce, each islet carried significance—not merely as territory, but as a source of sustenance.

The Significance of the Moment

In past decades, Maamaduvvari was leased for tourism development. However, without the promised progress, it remained largely unused. News of its planned return has opened the door for the island’s stewardship to once again rest in the hands of those who value it most—the local community. This creates the possibility of sustainable, community-driven use while safeguarding its fragile ecosystems.

A Chance for Balance

Maamaduvvari’s story is a reminder that development and conservation can work together. If managed with care, the island could become both a livelihood asset and a thriving part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—shared by all, preserved for generations.