The government has protected 12 naturally rich and diverse areas of the country.
The protected areas are located in Baa and Vaavu atolls.
According to the President's Office, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to declare 12 areas in Baa and Vaavu Atoll as protected areas based on the recommendations of cabinet members.
The areas were protected after discussions among ministers on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology, the President's Office said.
- Baa atoll Huraafaru area
- Baa atoll Dharavandhoo shallow area
- Baa atoll Nelivaru area
- Baa atoll Innafushi area
- Vaavu atoll Kavarufalhu area
- Vaavu atoll Fottheyo area
- Vaavu atoll Hingaakulhi lagoon area
- Vaavu atoll Thun'duhuraa
- Vaavu atoll Ruhhuri Huraa
- Vaavu atoll Rakeedhoo corner
- Vaavu atoll Fushifaru’s reef area
- Vaavu atoll Huraa faru
According to the President's Office, these are areas that have special environmental features, with diverse animals, and provide special environmental services and facilities along with being a natural beauty.
They had also discussed the issue of conservation of these areas with the concerned ministries and other agencies.
The decision to protect these sites was taken as part of the government's strategic action plan for the past five years to protect at least 10 percent of the reef area and 20 percent of land area in each atoll.
This year, the government has also prepared a red list for the first time in the country to protect endangered species.
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