Naiade's resort, Diva Maldives signs up to sponsor the Marine Protected Area
19th October 2009
By definition, a Marine Protected Area is simply "Any marine area which has been reserved to protect part, or all of the enclosed environment". FenMaaDhiguRan has been designated as an MPA because the area is the best example of an important habitat for whale sharks and a high number of other mega fauna. The area is a ‘natural wonder' - unique in hosting a year round Maldives resident whale shark population. ‘The announcement of the MPA is a great first step but the development of a sustainable management plan is essential', says MWSRP's Richard Rees.
Since the MPA's initial conception in 2007, the charity Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP - Registered Charity No. 1130369), has been developing the MPA management plan alongside its pioneering research into whale shark ecology and movements.
Through research and considerable consultations with the South Ari community, the MWSRP have identified a number of issues that threaten the whale shark and its marine habitat. Threats to the whale shark include habitat disturbance (through unregulated tourism), pollution (essentially destroying their habitat), and illegal fishing or ‘finning'.
A scar study carried out by the MWSRP in May 2008, comparing other scarred sharks in Australia, Mozambique and the Seychelles, indentified the Maldivian whale shark population as the most scarred population in the Indian Ocean. The vast majority of injuries are caused by collisions with vessels. Unfortunately these are often the same boats that seek to enjoy an encounter with the sometimes illusive whale shark.
The root cause of these issues is a lack of resources to improve education and waste management within the area and a lack of viable alternative employment opportunities for local people. There exists a very real fear that if these issues persist, eradicative damage may be inflicted on the whale shark population and the coral reef eco-system leaving the whale sharks no alternative but to seek a more preferable habitat. In a country that depends upon its natural resources to attract tourists this will have wider implications for the Maldives.
The MWSRP's vision is to develop the only regulated MPA in the Maldives, protecting a globally significant whale shark aggregation whilst also bettering the lives of the local communities. How will this be done? The charity is already busy discussing the implementation of tailored fund raising mechanisms with locally based resort islands in order to generate the funds required. It is extremely important that resorts, water sports operators and dive centres understand these issues and begin to protect their ‘back yard'. Indeed, it is just as important that the tourists, choosing to enjoy their chosen holiday destinations, comprehend the impact of their actions and hopefully choose to contribute positively towards that community. Naiade's Diva Maldives is leading the way by being one of the first resorts to back this inspired project by providing sponsorship.
The implications of this Marine Protected Area designation in the South Ari Atoll could be fantastic for each and every ‘whale shark stakeholder' and the MPA is already beginning to create a sense of community pride. Local islands will benefit from increased tourist visitation leading to an increased income, alternative employment and further education opportunities. Advantages for local fishermen will include the improved health of fishing grounds and alternative employment options generated by the requirement of MPA rangers and tour guides. .
Dive centres will benefit from the improved quality and safety of dive sites due to park rangers monitoring the size of vessels and enforcing speed limits. Resorts will be able to take advantage of the fact that a Marine Protected Area is a highly marketable commodity and will offer an opportunity to fulfil corporate responsibilities by becoming involved with sponsorship or other initiatives. Deepened guest satisfaction is the eventual conclusion, resulting in raised numbers of tourists drawn to the ‘natural wonder' that is the FenMaaDhiguRan MPA.