|
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
There are
several factors which contribute towards maintaining a balanced
and sustainable environment. Knowledge about the environment
will enable us to make informed decisions. Respecting earth’s
fragile ecosystem can have a positive and long lasting effect
which will benefit all stakeholders of our planet, earth. Being
informed of the endangered spices, protected areas, and what is
at stake etc… would keep us in a much better position to act.
The Maldives
concerned parties have taken numerous positive measures in order
to protect exploitation of our environment. Among this includes
protected marine sites, prohibition of catching turtles and
other endangered species, and banning shark fishing in some
areas. In the whole world only less than one percent of ocean is
protected from exploitation. Declaring a protected area or park
will not achieve its objectives. The problem for these ‘declared
sanctuaries’ is often inadequate management. The same problem
haunts in our protected marine areas and other sanctuaries. One
of our objectives is to provide information about these
protected marine sites, species and sanctuaries.
BIODIVERSITY
FEATURES
Marine
environment is the leading environment
of the Maldives, with coral reefs
forming the major ecosystem. The 1190
coral islands of the Maldives make up
less than 1 per cent of the total area
of the country. The other ecosystem
includes, sea grass beds, mangroves and
swamps.
PROTECTED MARINE
SITES
Marine
protected areas offer a range of
benefits for fisheries, tourism, local
economies and the ecosystem:
• a safe haven for fish stocks to
recover
• revenue for tourism industry from
recreational divers and sea lovers
• alternative sources of income for
local people
• prevention of habitat damage
• maintenance of biodiversity and much
more
MARINE TURTLES IN
THE MALDIVES
Even
though the Maldives has an extensive
history of trade in marine turtle shells
and offer enormous areas of tropical
nesting beaches and feeding grounds
ideal at least for Hawksbill and Green
turtles, only four species of turtles
are known to nest in the Maldives and
the fifth one is an occasional visitor
to the Maldives' seas.
Games
and Activities for kids
| 
