Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Zealand's University of Auckland, to collaborate in studying seabirds and migratory birds in the Maldives. The MoU was signed by the Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim on behalf of the EPA.
EPA revealed that the primary objective of the agreement was to enhance the capacity of the agency to conduct research on seabirds and migratory birds, with a focus on identifying key habitats such as nesting, roosting, and foraging grounds. It stated that the partnership is a significant step towards environmental conservation and biodiversity protection in the Maldives.
Furthermore, this collaboration will play a vital role in addressing the issue of invasive species that threaten bird nesting and roosting islands, in addition to habit preservation. It will also ensure that efforts are exerted to safeguard these areas with local control.