Regulation amended to allow dredging in protected areas

The regulation on reclamation, deepening and dredging in protected areas of the Maldives has been amended by the government, to allow these activities in protected areas.

Under this regulation, it was earlier prohibited to dredge reefs that were protected under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act, but with today’s amendment, the government will be allowed to dredge such areas for developmental projects.

The amendment states that protected areas can only be dredged or reclaimed after assigning another area with the same natural attributes, as a protected area.

This amendment has sparked criticism from Ecocare, an independent non-governmental organisation that works for the protection and sustainable development of the environment.

Project Coordinator at Ecocare, Maeed Mohamed Zahir said that the assignment of another area as a protected area does not prevent damage being caused to protected areas.

He further pointed out that protecting the environment must be prioritised even in developmental projects, and stressed that development efforts should not threaten the environment.

Ministry of Environment and Energy, when contacted for their comment on this matter, requested to contact Environment Protection Agency (EPA). EPA said that it is merely an implementation body, and requested to contact the ministry.