Lhaviyani Atoll Set to Become Maldives' Newest Biosphere Reserve

The Maldives government has initiated steps to designate Lhaviyani atoll as a biosphere reserve, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s environmental pledges. Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, confirmed that Lhaviyani would be the first of three areas targeted for biosphere designation.

Minister Thoriq explained that, while multiple regions were given the opportunity to express interest in becoming a biosphere reserve, only Lhaviyani atoll has come forward with a proposal. "We have evaluated the Lhaviyani atoll Council’s proposal and informed them that the establishment of a biosphere reserve is feasible," he stated.

The funds for this project have been secured through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the UNDP, with work expected to commence soon. Lhaviyani atoll, which consists of 54 islands, currently has six protected areas under the Environment Act, including uninhabited islands, reefs, lagoons, and sandbanks.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Biosphere reserves are special terrestrial and marine ecosystems designated by UNESCO to promote sustainable biodiversity and address environmental challenges. For an area to qualify as a biosphere reserve, it must meet certain conditions, and the government must submit an official proposal to UNESCO. Once approved, the area is managed by the state or central government.

UNESCO’s concept of biosphere reserves originated in 1968, following its first Biosphere Conference. The Maldives already has three such reserves: Baa atoll, Addu City, and Fuvahmulah City.

Resort in Maldives

Crossroads Maldives JOALI BEING OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi Kuramathi Maldives Siyam World Maldives Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa Milaidhoo Maldives Noku Maldives Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives Kurumba Maldives Soneva Fushi Sun Siyam Iru Veli Maldives Meeru Maldives Resort Island Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Maldives Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Kandima Maldives Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Baglioni Maldives Dusit Thani Maldives Jawakara Islands Maldives OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa The Nautilus Maldives Ayada Maldives OBLU NATURE Helengeli Brennia Kottefaru Coco Bodu Hithi Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Maldives OBLU SELECT Sangeli OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru OZEN LIFE Maadhoo Ananea Madivaru Maldives Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa RAAYA by Atmosphere Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives JA Manafaru Maldives ROBINSON Maldives Six Senses Laamu Sandies Bathala Maldives Soneva Jani The Residence Maldives Dhigurah dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi Oaga Art Resort Soneva Secret Sun Siyam Olhuveli Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives VARU by Atmosphere JOALI Maldives Nova Maldives Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi Club Med Kanifinolhu Kandolhu Maldives Niyama Private Islands Maldives SO/ Maldives Cocoon Maldives JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa Radisson Blu Resort Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort Six Senses Kanuhura Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives Constance Moofushi Maldives Pulse Hotels & Resorts Atmosphere Core Atmosphere Kani Fushi Maldives Coconut Palm Conservation Constant Halaveli Maldives Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Kaani Hotels Kandima Resort LUX* South Ari Atoll Le Meridien Maldives Resort and Spa Lily Beach Resort & Spa Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort Taj Exotica careers