Laws to safeguard whale sharks
By extending protection under the Environmental Protection Act, the Maldives aims to minimize the threats and enhance the ecological well-being of its aquatic environment.
In a resounding testament to their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and the thriving marine life that graces the waters of the Maldives, the island nation has unveiled an extraordinary initiative aimed at the protection of whale sharks. These gentle sharks of the ocean have long captured the imagination of visitors and locals alike, drawing ocean enthusiasts from around the world to these pristine shores.
Since the inception of tourism in this island nation, the Maldives has emerged as a treasured destination for those who seek the beauty and wonder of the ocean. Over the years whale shark excursions have become a staple in the Maldivian experience, where tourists eagerly book expeditions for a chance to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. However, the surge in tourism also brought forth the challenge of preserving the fragile balance of the marine ecosystem.
Recognizing the urgency to protect both their precious marine life and the whale sharks that hold a special place in the hearts of the Maldivian people, the President of the Maldives embarked on a path to amend the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act. The decision to incorporate whale shark protection within this vital legislation came from a profound understanding of the unique ecological role played by these magnificent creatures and the conservation imperative that their preservation represents.
The inclusion of whale sharks within the Environmental Protection Act is due to the fact that these gentle giants do not play a role in the fishing industry, rendering them a suitable candidate for this legal framework.
The President's Office has emphasized the profound challenges that whale sharks are facing in the Maldives, including the harm and damage inflicted upon them by various factors. By extending protection under the Environmental Protection Act, the Maldives aims to minimize these threats and enhance the ecological well-being of its aquatic environment, recognizing that the conservation of whale sharks yields not only intrinsic value but also tangible environmental benefits.
This is an important measure to be taken as many factors considered, involving the increasing tourism industry in the Maldives has raised the need to protect creatures such as whale sharks. Over the years, the Maldives has been putting in extra efforts towards being more green and sustainable, even when it came to the tourism industry of the Maldives, making this another major step towards accomplishing these sustainability goals.
