Gili Lankanfushi Maldives fined for attempting to destroy sandbank near K. Himmafushi
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives was fined by MVR 562,980
Employees of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives were caught on camera attempting to destroy a sandbank in January earlier this year
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Resort has been fined in relation to the incident where employees of that resort, including former General Manager David Stepetic, had attempted to destroy a sandbank near Himmafushi island of Kaafu atoll earlier in January.
On the night of 21 January 2021, Citizens of Himmafushi island had approached and questioned associates of the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives after having come across them near the damaged sandbank. Some voiced concerns that the associates of the Gili Lankanfushi had deigned to destroy the sandbank as locals from Himmafushi island were utilizing it for recreation and leisure, and because it was no longer viable as an exclusive location for guests staying at the Gili Lankanfushi Resort. The incident had been reported to the police, as the group had reportedly cut three artificial channels along the sandbank with the intention of destroying it.
The destruction of the sandbank had caused outrage among citizens of Himmafushi, and 11 organizations dedicated to conservation of the environment in Maldives released a joint statement calling for legal action against those who perpetrate and condone such environmentally destructive practices.
General Manager David Stepetic had stepped away from his position due to heavy criticism following the incident, but no additional action was taken against him.
Findings of the investigation conducted by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) confirmed that associates of the Gili Lankanfushi had deliberately attempted to destroy the sandbank near Himmafushi island of K. atoll.
A statement released by EPA on Sunday details that Promus Pvt Ltd, the operator of Gili Lankanfushi Resort, has been fined for damaging the sandbank located between the resort and Himmafushi by trenching, under The Regulation on Environmental Liabilities (Regulation No. 2011/R-9). The fine totals MVR 562,980, and must be paid within 30 days of 27 May 2021.
