everal areas of Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives have been designated as protected areas by the government.
The government announced the protected status of the areas on September 29.
The newly declared areas are:
Sellhifushi and Hiriyadhoo are some of the biggest uninhabited islands in the atoll. The islands are located in the ern side of the atoll. The area is also home to unique and rarely seen types of marine organisms and the mangroves in the area are home to different types of trees and plants with some designated as extremely rare.
The islands are also frequented by sea turtles to lay eggs, as well as sea birds.
Areas of Lh. Atoll designated as protected
The government announced the protected status of the areas on September 29.
The newly declared areas are:
- Maagadhu (Anemone) Lagoon
- Dhiffushi-Maadhoo
- Sellhifuhshi Island wetlands area and Maakoa Island
- Vavvaru Island, and Dhandifalhu Island reef and lagoon, Dhandifalhu Island sandbank
- Dhashugiri Island sandbank.
Sellhifushi and Hiriyadhoo are some of the biggest uninhabited islands in the atoll. The islands are located in the ern side of the atoll. The area is also home to unique and rarely seen types of marine organisms and the mangroves in the area are home to different types of trees and plants with some designated as extremely rare.
The islands are also frequented by sea turtles to lay eggs, as well as sea birds.
Areas of Lh. Atoll designated as protected