Tourism Ministry and MTDC Sign MoU to Develop Nature Parks in Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani Atolls
From the MoU signing ceremony between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and MTDC on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Environment
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to develop nature parks in the protected areas of Haa Dhaalu Atoll Keylakunu and Shaviyani Atoll Farukolhu.
Both islands have been designated as protected areas under Section 4 of the Environment Protection Act of 2018. The new project seeks to develop nature parks in line with the conservation requirements set out in the legislation, ensuring that environmental sustainability is upheld throughout the process.
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The initiative supports President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader vision to enhance tourism in the northern region and to establish at least one nature park in every atoll. The development of these parks is intended to promote eco-tourism, preserve biodiversity, and improve accessibility to natural attractions in underserved regions.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the project will be rolled out in four phases over one year, with the ministry providing technical guidance throughout its implementation.
Officials from both the ministry and MTDC emphasised the significance of this partnership in advancing sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Once completed, the ministry said the parks are expected to offer educational, recreational, and economic benefits to local communities, while also contributing to the Maldives’ eco-tourism portfolio.
