WHAT WE DO

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas of the ocean where human activities are restricted to varying degrees. They are a globally recognised conservation tool that many countries use because they safeguard biodiversity, enhance fisheries, support livelihoods and local economies and preserve cultural values.

Maldives Resilient Reefs is working to protect 30 percent of Maldivian  waters from all extractive activities. This involves undertaking research of ecologically significant areas, working with both national and local government institutions to ensure effective protection and most importantly, securing community support and buy-in for marine protection.

As a result of our work in Laamu Atoll, six areas in the atoll were designated as nationally protected areas in 2021. However, this is only step one towards improving marine protection in the atoll. We are now working with local stakeholders to make sure these areas are effectively managed. Through this work in Laamu Atoll, we hope to create a model for atoll level management of Marine Protected Areas and to strengthen MPA management throughout the Maldives.

Coral reefs are essential for fisheries. Sadly, more than 60% of the world’s coral reefs are under immediate and direct threat from human activities such as overfishing.

For a country like the Maldives, ensuring sustainable reef fisheries can make the difference of life and death. We need our reefs to be healthy and resilient to protect our islands from the effects of the changing climate.

Maldives Resilient Reefs works with local fisherfolk and communities as well as local and national governments to promote sustainable fisheries and co-management of marine resources.

Tourism is the main source of income, employment and foreign exchange earnings for Maldives.

However, a lack of environmental management and long-term planning across the sector to date has meant that tourism and the expansion of the industry have played a significant role in the deterioration of the marine environment.

Maldives Resilient Reefs works to improve the sustainability of the Maldives tourism industry. We do this by getting tourism operators onboard in protecting critical megafauna and habitats through our #SaveOurSharks and #ProtectMaldivesSeagrass campaigns and by getting partners operators to commit to sustainable seafood sourcing through our Laamaseelu Masveriyaa Programme.

Ocean literacy is key to ensuring stakeholders understand the fundamental concepts about the functioning of the ocean, can communicate about the ocean in a meaningful way, and are able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.

In Maldives, there are very few locals who receive higher education training in marine science.

Maldives Resilient Reefs works to strengthen local capacities in marine conservation and improve reef and ocean literacy among the public. We do this by offering internship, training citizen scientists, creating accessible educational content and conducting marine experience programmes for schools.