The Maldivian government announced that a fee will be charged to film or photograph the protected areas in Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll.
The regulation by the Ministry of Environment and Energy states that pictures and videos of these areas can only be taken after receiving permission from the management units.
Moreover, those interested in visiting the protected areas must submit permission forms three days prior to the visit.
The new regulation dictates that no more than five hours would be allowed per session for photography, while drones can only be used in the presence of a monitor from the management unit.
The fees range from MVR 500 for photography sessions, to MVR 3,000 for videography. An additional MVR 100 will be charged if a drone is being used.
Furthermore, the ministry stated that a fee of MVR 3,000 will be charged for any research done, for commercial purposes, in the protected areas of Addu and Fuvahmulah.
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