A new project to modernise marine protection and monitoring systems at the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) has been inaugurated, aimed at strengthening conservation efforts and improving management of one of the Maldives’ most visited marine reserves.

The project was officially launched at the closing ceremony of the Maldives Protected and Conserved Areas Forum 2026. It is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Huawei.

According to the Ministry, the initiative seeks to enhance the protection of marine life in SAMPA through the use of modern surveillance technology and real-time communication systems. The project also aims to support balanced social, economic and environmental outcomes in the region, which is a major tourism destination.

SAMPA, the largest marine protected area in the Maldives, receives thousands of visitors each year. The Ministry noted that the size of the protected area and the high volume of vessel movements pose ongoing challenges for monitoring and enforcement. Under the project, rangers operating within SAMPA will be equipped with digital monitoring and reporting tools to improve oversight of activities within the protected zone.

The upgraded systems are expected to strengthen data collection, improve communication among enforcement teams, and support more effective monitoring of marine habitats and species interactions. The project also aligns with internationally recognised protected area management standards, including the IUCN Green List framework, which promotes effective, equitable and science-based conservation management.

The initiative forms part of the global “Tech for Nature” programme, launched in 2020, which brings together conservation organisations and technology partners to support environmental protection through digital solutions. This marks the first Tech for Nature project implemented in the Maldives.

In addition to deploying monitoring and communication equipment, the project will include training for rangers to strengthen compliance with international management standards. A baseline assessment of SAMPA will also be conducted to evaluate current management practices and conservation outcomes. Authorities said the strengthened monitoring framework is expected to support regulatory compliance, improve visitor safety, and reduce environmental impacts associated with tourism and marine activities in the area.