President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Tuesday, decided to nominate the atolls of Fuvahmulah and Addu as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) biosphere reserves.
The decision was made following consultation with the Cabinet. The government will formally submit the nominations to UNESCO.
According to the President's Office, the purpose of seeking biosphere reserve status for the two atolls is to ensure environmental protection, including the preservation of natural marine life, as well as guaranteeing that the areas are utilised in a sustainable manner.
Currently, the only UNESCO biosphere reserve in Maldives is Baa Atoll, which was designated as such in 2011.
Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems which promote policies that reconcile biodiversity conservation with sustainable use.
The internationally recognized regions are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the countries they are located within.
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