Ministry of Environment and Energy has protected three areas with environmentally unique features under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives. In this regard, Environment Ministry protected Rasdhoo Madivaru in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Farukolhu in Shaviyani Atoll and Dhigulaabadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Being one of the environmentally significant areas of the coral island nation, Rasdhoo Madivaru is a biodiversity hotspot. With the appearance of Hammerhead Sharks throughout the year, it is one of the acclaimed dive sites nationally as well as globally. Adhering to the Protected Areas Regulation of the Maldives, Rasdhoo Madivaru is now classified under Category 1: Internationally Recognised Area and Category 6: Habitat/ Species Management Area. Rasdhoo Atoll reef comprising of Madivaru is also internationally recognised as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA) under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
Meanwhile, with 7 wetlands, Farukolhu is a small island in the upper North of Maldives which has remarkable biological diversity. While 8 mangrove species are found, the array of avifauna, the marvellous diversity of coral reef and mangrove ecosystems provides breeding sites and nesting grounds for many endangered species. Farukolhu is now protected under Environment Protection and Preservation Act, categorised as a Protected Area with Sustainable Use.
In addition, the beauty, as well as the unique U shape of the island with the outstanding biological diversity, makes Dhigulaabadhoo one of the ecologically significant areas of Maldives. Not only is the island's bay area a breeding and a nursery site for different species of sharks, rays and other marine species, but the large mangrove wetland area is nationally significant, playing an important role in the livelihoods of the neighbouring island communities. Environment ministry, along with the two aforementioned areas, announced the protection of Dhigulaabadhoo as a Protected Area with Sustainable Use under Environment Protection and Preservation Act.
With the latest three protected areas, the number of protected areas in Maldives now stands at 47.