Seventeen students have graduated from the Maldives’ first-ever Rangers Training Course, marking a significant step forward in building national capacity to manage protected natural areas.

The certificate awarding ceremony was held at the Maldives National University (MNU) Laamu Gan campus.

Rangers are frontline personnel responsible for managing and safeguarding environmentally protected areas. Despite the Maldives having numerous protected areas across its islands, the country has long faced a shortage of trained rangers.

The training programme was launched under the ENDhERI project (Enhancing National Development through Environmentally Resilient Islands), as part of an agreement signed in January this year between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Maldives National University. The course initially focused on Laamu Atoll, with plans to expand to other regions in the future.

Of the 17 graduates, 10 were scholarship recipients from Laamu Atoll, while the remaining seven were already actively engaged in work at protected areas across the country. The curriculum covered a broad range of topics, including environmental science, environmental law and enforcement, social engagement and awareness raising, and basic digital skills.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ahmed Riyaz Jauharee, Dean of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment Hassaan Mohamed both highlighted the urgent need for skilled rangers. They also underscored commitment to continuing and expanding such training opportunities in the years ahead.

The graduation of the first cohort of rangers marks a milestone in the Maldives’ efforts to strengthen its environmental resilience and sustainable development goals.