The Government is preparing a proposal for the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) to support the integrated, ecosystem-based management of ecologically significant areas in South Ari Atoll.

Preparations for the proposal were advanced during the second stakeholder workshop held on 22 July, which brought together representatives from Mahibadhoo, Omadhoo, Kumburudhoo, Hangnaameedhoo and Dhangethi. The workshop focused on identifying key priorities to be included in the proposal for international funding to strengthen biodiversity conservation in the Maldives.

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy stated that the project seeks to establish policies for the integrated, ecosystem-based management of environmentally significant areas in South Ari Atoll. It also aims to strengthen the technical and human resource capacity required to implement those policies, improving the monitoring and management of ecologically important areas.

Participants shared information on the environmental conditions of their islands and identified areas requiring conservation, with the discussions contributing to the development of the proposal for submission to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.