Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

The declaration of two significant wetlands as protected areas has had positive results for biodi- versity and local livelihoods [ ] 150 Coastal ecosystems for sustainable development The southernmost two cities of Mal- dives, Addu and Fuvahmulah, are set in the most unique and ecologically diverse wetlands in the Maldives. For an island nation highly vulnerable to impacts of climate change like the Maldives, the wetlands play a key role in defending the islands against the rising sea levels and flooding caused by increased frequency and intensity of rainfall. The Government of Maldives has declared the two wetlands in Addu and Fuvahmulah as protected areas and has formulated a Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP) to support existing efforts to protect and manage these areas. This project has significantly contributed to the achievement of several Aichi Biodiversity Targets, as well as na- tional targets under the National Bio- diversity Strategy and Action Plan. Through this project, Addu and Fuvahmulah have experienced en- hanced socioeconomic development, as well as development of ecotourism infrastructure and recreation facil- ities. The project has also improved the management and protection of the local coral reefs, ensuring en- joyment of these areas by locals and visitors to the island. A Coral Reef Monitoring Framework was devel- oped to safeguard the coral reefs, including a Coral Database. Other outcomes of the project are alternative livelihood support pro- grammes for local communities and capacity building for the private sec- tor, to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. The success of this project has resulted in many environ- mental, economic and social benefits to the two most populated cities of Maldives outside of the capital city, Male’. Ecotourism infrastructure has received a boost thanks to a visitor centre in Addu and a recreation facility and boardwalks in Fuvahmu- lah, along with the implementation of other sustainable activities. Capacity building programmes have been conducted for 10 private sector entities, including tourist resorts and dive centres, by providing the tools and training to monitor the condition of the coral reefs and the goods and services that the entities receive from the coral reefs. Addi- tionally, alternative livelihood sup- port programmes were conducted in Addu and Fuvahmulah focusing on sustainable use of natural resources such as handcrafting, toddy tapping and organic farming. The project has brought about significant acknowledgement of the value of biological diversity and the many economic, social, recreational and aesthetic benefits provided by these coastal ecosystems in Addu and Fuvahmulah. T he fragile coastal ecosystems of the small island mid-oceanic nation of Maldives provide economic prosperity and social wellbeing for the citizens. The economy of Maldives is predominantly dependent on the rich marine and coastal biological diversity of the low-lying islands. Of the different coastal ecosystems, the globally significant coral reefs and mangrove wetlands enable human settlements and protect the islands and inhabitants from extreme events and the impacts of climate change. The declaration of two significant wetlands as protected areas has had positive results for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Thulusdhoo Island in the Maldives Aviv Ben Or on Unsplash Maldives