EPA to oversee protected Ari Atoll area from December
It is one of the most famous places in the world where whale sharks can be seen at any time of the year.
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will officially start managing the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in December this year, Environment Minister Thorig Ibrahim said on Tuesday.
Thorig appeared in Parliament on Tuesday to answer a question by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir on the date of completion of the power plant Fenaka is developing on the Baa atoll island. He also answered questions from other members.
The MP for Dhangethi constituency Abdullah Rasheed asked:
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Has the EPA made any regulations regarding the protected area in Ari Atoll and if not, when can it be done?
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He also asked the government to do it in such a way that small businesses such as guesthouses and safaris can profit from it
"The work of the SAMPA region will hopefully be officially managed by the EPA later this year, in December," Thorig said.
The minister did not give any further details.
SAMPA is one of the largest protected areas in Maldives. It is one of the most famous places in the world where whale sharks can be seen at any time of the year.
SAMPA was gazetted as a protected area in 2009. However, no plan or regulation has been developed to manage, monitor and maintain the area. Many people express concern that the area is not properly maintained.
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