The Government Announce Protection of Three Biodiversity Hotspots in the Maldives


Maldives
PUBLISHED October 17, 2018

The Ministry of Environment and Energy has declared the protection of three biodiversity hotspots in the Maldives, namely Rasdhoo-Madivaru area located in Alif Alif Atoll, Farukolhu Island in the northern Shaviyani atoll and Dhigulaabadhoo Island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.


According to the statement released by the Ministry, the three areas are protected under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives and an umbrella law passed in August 2018 that grants a selection of islands extended rights.


As per the regulations outlined in the statement, swimming, snorkelling, diving and picnics are allowed in all protected areas while sand mining, removal of stones, collecting shells, littering and any activity considered harmful to the environment are all prohibited for foreigners and locals alike.


While all forms of fishing in these areas are banned for tourists, locals are allowed the traditional method of bait fishing in these protected areas. Catching reef fish and shallow trolling are allowed in areas outside of them.


Locals may also collect dry palm leaves, coconut husks and timber from certain locations.


The Rasdhoo-Madivaru area in the central Alif Alif Atoll is classified under category one as an "Internationally Recognised Area" and under category six as a "Habitat/Species Management Area." The area which encompasses three sandbanks and four islands is a popular dive-site notable for sightings of hammerhead sharks throughout the year.


The Rasdhoo atoll reef is also internationally recognised as an "Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area" under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.


The Farukolhu Island in the northern Shaviyani atoll was designated as a "Protected Area with Sustainable Use." The islands coral reef and seven different mangroves or wetlands provide breeding sites and nesting grounds for many endangered species.


Dhigulaabaadhoo was also categorised as protected with sustainable use. The ministry called the islands large wetland area "nationally significant, playing an important role in the livelihoods of the neighbouring island communities."The U-shaped Island in the southern Gaaf Dhaal atoll is a natural breeding ground for rays and sharks as well as an extensive mangrove system.


The islands of AA.Madivaru, GDh.Dhigulaabadhoo and Sh. Farukolhu were previously listed on EPAs list of environmentally sensitive locations.

Comments

Please login to Comment


NEWS ARCHIVE