Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has stated three areas in Laamu Atoll have been designated as protected sites under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act.
The ministry has given protected status to an ocean area between Bodu Finolhu and Vadinolhu, an ocean area in Gaadhoo, as well as the turtle nesting grounds and surrounding beach area in Gaadhoo. The sites were given protected status in December 2021 and the total area of these protected sites is 614 hectares.
The ministry stated the turtle nesting area and the surrounding beach area in Gaadhoo was given protected status due to the site being a nesting and feeding ground for two species of endangered turtles, and that the area consists of seaweed that is efficient at trapping carbon and is home to numerous types of fish species. The beach area also protects the island from flooding and is home to several protected species of migratory birds. The ocean area near Gaadhoo is also rich with mega-fauna including endangered turtles, manta rays, and sharks while the ocean area between Bodu Finolhu and Vadinolhu is also inhabited by megafauna, and Vadinolhu is home to various types of birds.