Situated in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is an independent island nation renowned for their clear emerald waters and unique biodiversity across 1,190 coral islands.

These islands are home to an abundance of charismatic marine life, with common sightings of manta rays, common dolphins, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles, sunfish, whale sharks, and more.

However, the Maldives’ natural resources are increasingly vulnerable to global warming impacts such as sea-level rise, erosion, and coral bleaching. These impacts cause damage not just to the fragile ecosystems that make up the Maldives’ many islands – including offshore habitats which hold some of the highest levels of biodiversity on the planet – but also to the local community and economy, both of which rely heavily on tourism and fishing. The loss of coastal habitats due to overfishing and marine pollution are a serious threat to the country’s resources. The designation of strategically planned marine protected areas is critical to protect biodiversity, contribute to more abundant seafood, and provide nature-based solutions to help fight climate change and generate economic benefits.