Lhaviyani atoll to be declared a biosphere reserve

The government of Maldives has begun working on declaring the country's Lhaviyani atoll a biosphere reserve.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said that they are working on declaring three areas of the country as biosphere reserves; a mission in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's presidential pledges.

Out of the three, the first area would be Lhaviyani atoll, he said.

Thoriq detailed that while the opportunity to express interest in becoming a biosphere reserve is now open, only Lhaviyani atoll has expressed interest so far.

"We have now evaluated their [Lhaviyani atoll Council's] proposal and informed them that a biosphere reserve can be established," Thoriq explained.

He also said that the funds required to make this possible has been arranged by UNDP's Global Environment Facility (GEF), and that the project's work will begin soon.

The 54-island atoll currently has six areas designated as protected under the Environment Act. These areas include uninhabited islands, reefs, lagoons and sandbanks.

What is a biosphere reserve?

Biosphere reserves are marine and terrestrial ecosystems designated by the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to address environmental issues and promote sustainable biodiversity. However, in order for an area to be designated a biosphere reserve, certain conditions must be met.

The proposal to declare an area as a biosphere reserve has to be submitted by the country's government. Even after being designated as a biosphere, the area would have to be managed by the central government or state.

UNESCO, which was founded 79 years ago, first held a Biosphere Conference in 1968, birthing the concept of biosphere reserves.

Maldives currently has three biosphere reserves; one in Baa atoll, and the others in Addu and Fuvahmulah City.