Environment Ministry protects 11 areas 'Boduthiladhunmath Atoll'

Ministry of Environment has protected 11 areas across the 'Boduthiladhunmathi' natural atoll encompassing the administrative atolls of Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani and Noonu Atoll.

The areas were granted protected under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (4/93), as part of the administrations' pledge to conserve a region within each atoll to an international standard.

In accordance with Article 22 of the constitution, 'Protection of the Environment', the government is protecting one island, one reef and one mangrove area from each atoll.

The protected areas include;

1. Gahlandhoo, Haa Alif Atoll (252 hectares) - The island, lagoon and an area of the reef.

2. Bilehdhoo, Haa Alif Atoll (4354 hectares) - Pinnacle reef and surrounding shallows.

3. Kelaa, Haa Alif Atoll (112 hectares) - Wetland and an area of the reef.

4. Finey, Haa Dhaal Atoll (97.9 hectares) - Pinnacle reef.

5. Inna Fushi, Haa Dhaal Atoll (1366 hectares) - The island, lagoon and the reef.

6. Bolissafaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll (954 hectares) - The island, lagoon and an area of the reef.

7. Naalaa Huraa, Shaviyani Atoll (159 hectares) - A sandbank and lagoon area.

8. Foddhipparu, Noonu Atoll (322 hectares) - A sandbank and lagoon area.

9. Kendhikulhudhoo, Noonu Atoll (512 hectares) - Wetlands and an area of the reef.

10. 'Orimas Thila', Noonu Atoll (46.3 hectares) - A pinnacle reef.

11. Bodulhaimendhoo, Noonu Atoll (321 hectares) - An island, lagoon and the reef.

A total of 15 protected areas now exist in the 'Boduthiladhunmathi' natural atoll.