MWSC Partners with EPA to Restore Rasfari Reef
The Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the restoration of the Rasfari reef.
The agreement was formalised during a ceremony yesterday on board the research vessel RV Thimaaveshi, with EPA Director-General Ibrahim Naeem and MWSC Managing Director Abdul Matheen Mohamed in attendance.
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MWSC has signed an MoU with @EPAMaldives to support the restoration of Rasfari Marine Protected Area. This collaboration reflects our commitment to preserving the Maldives' marine ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/aGQDoQQIjZ— Male' Water and Sewerage Company Pvt. Ltd. (@MWSC_Official) October 20, 2024
The EPA initiated the restoration project last year following substantial damage to the reef caused by the grounding of the cargo ship MV Navios Amaryllis in 2021.
Under the terms of the MoU, MWSC will install a water plant on the RV Thimaaveshi and procure survey equipment for the restoration efforts. Additionally, the company will supply water and arrange transport as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Rasfari reef, located to the west of K. Rasfari, has been protected since 1995 and is renowned among divers for its rich biodiversity, which includes sightings of endangered species such as rays, sharks, and turtles.
The grounding incident on August 19, 2021, resulted in the damage of over 2,800 square metres of the reef. Following the incident, the ship’s owner paid a significant fine of USD 10 million (MVR 154.2 million) in December 2021, covering both the damages incurred and the costs associated with restoring the reef. This settlement marked a notable achievement for the state in recovering funds for environmental damage.
MWSC expressed that its partnership with the EPA underscores its commitment to preserving the Maldives’ marine ecosystem and its dedication to supporting environmental initiatives.
