At present FEYLI is actively working with Eydhafushi island community, the capital island of Baa Atoll. However, it has established networks of relationship with other NGOs working in different islands in Baa Atoll as well as in other atolls. FEYLI had provided consultation service and capacity building programmes for partner NGOs working in other island communities. The island of Eydhafushi is an
average sized island in the Maldives with land area of 22.2 hectors and a population of less than 3000 people. The island had been populated throughout and at present there is no more land available for new settlements. This is partly due to resettlement of people from three more islands of Baa Atoll in Eydhafushi forty years ago. As a result the island is being densely populated with the growing population and continuation of people migrating from other islands for various reasons. Historically Eydhafushi is well-known for fine craftsmanship of Maldivian style sarong (known as “feyli”) weaving. However, Eydhafushi had lost this legacy since there is no one living who can do the work. As tourism industry sprung in the atoll, most of the working population shifted to this industry which normally gives good return for lesser effort and time spent. It can be seen clearly there is a significant change in industry structure in Baa Atoll, leaving fisheries, agriculture and traditional craftsmanship endangered. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of the volatility and risk involved in tourism industry. At present people depend much on tourism, and most of them see no other livelihood opportunity elsewhere. One of our key activities is alternative livelihood development, which may help people to change their livelihood to another industry or
enhance their livelihood in tourism industry itself.
