More than 15 individuals are currently employed as rangers across various regions of the Maldives, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment has said.
Although the Maldives has over 90 designated protected sites, only a limited number of rangers are involved in maintaining them. The Ministry of Environment has stressed the need to employ more rangers to maintain protected sites in a sustainable manner. The current rangers are stationed at the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve, Fuvahmulah Biosphere Reserve, Laamu Gaadhoo, Raa Vandhoo, South Ari Protected Area and Shaviyani Farukolhu.
To strengthen conservation efforts, the Ministry has designed and implemented a basic ranger training course in collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU). The inaugural batch of the course was completed by 18 participants.
The government is making targeted efforts to maintain protected areas and generate economic benefit through its sustainable use. The government has stated that the sustainable maintenance of these sites will enhance visitor experience for tourists which in turn will contribute to economic growth. Therefore, special priority is being given to the initiative. More Than 15 Rangers Currently Active; Expansion Plans Underway