Maldives to Expand Protected Environmental Zones with EU and UK Funding

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy is expanding the Maldives' network of protected environmental zones to safeguard critical biodiversity across the archipelago. As part of a strategic national effort, the government has identified environmentally significant sites in every atoll for formal designation as protected areas. Ahmed Saan, Manager at the Environment Management and Conservation Department, confirmed that 93 areas are currently under official protection. While some of these sites undergo regular monitoring, Saan noted that others require minimal oversight due to low levels of public access. Despite these efforts, the current proportion of protected land and sea remains a small fraction of the Maldives' total geographical area. To address this gap, the government plans to declare two new protected zones within the next two months, located in Alifu Dhaalu and Haa Dhaalu Atolls. Additionally, the Ministry has scheduled further surveys in Thaa Atoll to identify future sites for conservation. Supporting these initiatives is a €4 million grant provided by the United Kingdom and the European Union. This funding is specifically targeted at enhancing conservation efforts, with a primary focus on the protection of mangroves. Mangrove forests are vital to the Maldives' coastal defense, serving as natural barriers against erosion and providing essential habitats for marine biodiversity. By increasing the number of protected zones and leveraging international financial support, the Maldives aims to strengthen its resilience against climate change and preserve its fragile ecosystems for future generations.