Is it justifiable to reclaim the lagoon and build a resort near Kaashidhoo Island?

It was almost out of the blues that the Tourism Ministry opened the opportunity for parties interested in developing a resort over an area of Kaafu atoll Kaashidhoo’s lagoon. This is the first time that a resort will be developed in Maldives after land reclamation of an island’s lagoon.The logic behind the proposal is that the isolated island of Kaashidhoo would benefit economically from such a venture. Tourism Minister Dr. Shauqee has been reported to have said that it is a good idea to use the lagoons of the country as an economic asset instead of just focusing on the islands. This maybe true fro some isolated islands such as Kaashidhoo but it makes little sense to spend millions of Rufiyaa to reclaim land when we have hundreds of natural and uninhabited islands available for investment. Besides, reclaiming could have environmental impact as well. But in the case of Kaashidhoo this is probably justifiable. The 276.7 hectare lagoon of Kaashidhoo Island is nearly as large as the island itself.Despite some reservations, we have to say that this is another example of innovative ideas in economic development. Credit to Dr. Shauqee and his team.