The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced that the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) is now under police patrol.
SAMPA is the Maldives’ largest marine protected area and a globally important site for year-round whale shark sightings, attracting thousands of tourists annually.
According to the ministry, managing and monitoring the area has been challenging due to the area’s large size and multiple access points. Police are now working alongside SAMPA rangers to strengthen enforcement and management of the protected area. The ministry has urged all users to adhere to the management plan for the area.
Under the management plan, visitors and vessel operators must follow the area’s management rules, including registering vessels operating in the area, using registered guides, informing rangers before entering the area, sharing live location data while operating there, using designated flags and installing propeller guards by the end of the month. Complying with ethical guidelines when interacting with wildlife and prioritising safety is also part of the rules.
Meanwhile, a new Tech-for-Nature project has been launched to improve management of the protected area. The project aims to protect the whale shark population using modern technology and real-time communication tools, and balance conservation with tourism and economic development.
The ministry said under the Tech-for-Nature project, rangers will receive digital monitoring, reporting and communication equipment to strengthen data collection and environmental management. It will also improve understanding of interactions between tourists and wildlife and provide the scientific information needed to select the area for the IUCN Green List.
The objective of the project is to manage tourists, increase compliance with regulations, assist in making decisions based on scientific findings and further strengthen the balance between tourism and environmental protection.