Five Sites of Environmental Significance in Faadhippolhu Designated as Protected Areas


Maldives
PUBLISHED September 30, 2020 | updated September 30, 2020 03:08

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to designate five eco-rich sites in Faadhippolhu (Lhaviyani Atoll) as protected areas, upon the recommendation of his Cabinet.  

The President decided to grant protected status to Maagadhu (Anemone)Thila; Dhiffushi-Maadhoo, the northernmost island of the Atoll; Sellhifuhshi Island wetlands area; Maakoa Island; Vavvaru Island and Dhandifalhu Island reef and lagoon; Dhandifalhu Island sandbank; and Dhashugiri Island sandbank. 

During online meeting held yesterday, the Ministry of Environment shared a paper regarding the reasons for recommending protected status for these areas. They cited several reasons such as research reports; first-hand reports from craftsmen in the area (fishermen and farmers); NGOs; associations and experts from the environmental field as well traditional knowledge from our ancestors passed down through the generations. 

The Minister of Environment also noted that areas for protection had been recommended following consultations with the ministries, authorities and other relevant parties. Further, he noted that progress of infrastructure at Faadhippolhu Atoll will continue to be developed without affecting these areas, adding that protecting these areas will benefit future generations through eco-tourism as well as integrated tourism. 

The Administration previously declared 14 areas from Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani and Noonu Atoll in addition to ‘Farikede Faru,’ a marine site in Fuvahmulah City, and 4 sites from Addu city as protected sites, under Section 4 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Act No: 4/93), in accordance with the Administration’s Strategic Action Plan.  

The Administration plans to designate at least one island, one reef and one mangrove, in each atoll as protected areas. 

Comments

Please login to Comment


NEWS ARCHIVE