Gnaviyani Atoll

The Farikede Area, located in Fuvahmulah City Island Atoll in the southern Maldives, was officially designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) on 22 July 2020 under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law no. 4/93). Encompassing 6.37km², Farikede Area forms a core area and buffer zone of the Fuvahmulah UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is classified as a Category 6 Habitat/Species Management Area, aligned with IUCN Category IV for sustainable use of natural resources.

Renowned globally as a premier dive site, the MPA hosts a rich diversity of threatened and endangered shark and ray species, including thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus), oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris), scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini), and whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). It also serves as a locally important habitat for reef shark species such as whitetip (Triaenodon obesus) and silvertip (Carcharhinus albimarginatus). Farikede is part of the Fuvahmulah Atoll Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), recognised by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group in 2023. As part of this globally and locally significant network, Farikede holds exceptional ecological, economic, and cultural value. These include internationally important populations of threatened sharks and rays, the economic benefits generated through dive tourism, and the enduring social and cultural connections to traditional fishing practices.

The mangrove wetland area connected to Dhadimagu Kilhi is an area that is naturally and environmentally rich. It is located to the north of Fuvahmulah, across Dhadimagu district, Dhiguvaagan’du district and Hoadhadu district. This area has two main regions; Dhadimagi Kilhi and the wetland area connected to it. Both of these regions are significant in many ways. Dhadimagi Kilhi is one of the two freshwater mangorves in Fuvahmulah, and has notable natural features. It is rich with different species of flora and fauna and is an excellent example of inter connectivity between organisms. The 3-feet deep mangrove is also abundant with marine life. Tilapia fish (footumas), referred as Feynamas by people that live in Fuvahmulah, and Bangaalhumas, live in this mangrove. Moreover, Milkfish (Beyn’gu) have also been spotted here. The trees surrounding the mangrove area bring more verdant richness to it. Thatch screwpine (Boakashikeyo), and different types of grass and plants have can also be seen in large numbers. Plants used for medicinal use, as well as Taro (ala) can be found here. Animals that make these trees their home find food from the area surrounding the mangrove. It is also a special environment for the birds that frequent here. Fuvahmulah is notable in the Maldives for being having multiple such environments. Dhandimagu Kilhi and the surrounding wetland area have special environmental features. The area lush with different types of trees and organisms. Medicinal plants, grass, Thatch screwpine (Boakashikeyo) and Taro (ala) can be found amongst the vegetation. The fish that live in the mangrove are a source of food for the animals that frequent her and, as a result, help populate the species. Consequently, this brings beauty and richness to the environment of this area. Dhandimagu Kilhi and the surrounding wetland area help keep the island from flooding during the rainy season. Dhan’dimagu district is since considered the freshwater reserve of the Maldives. Since Fuvahmulah is shaped like a bowl, with the middle of the island at a lower elevation than the perimeter of it, the wetland area helps the island from flooding.

The Bandaara Kilhi (Bandaara mangrove) and the wetland area linked to it on the south side of Fuvahmulah, is located in between Miskiyymagu ward, Dhoodigan ward and Maalegan ward. This area has environmentally unique features and the significance of the surrounding environment is visible. This area is divided into two main areas. Bandaara Kilhi is one of the largest mangroves out of all the freshwater mangroves in Maldives. This mangrove is 4.74 hectares, and is naturally different while also exhibiting unique features than those of the mangroves typically found in the Maldives. It is abundant with wildlife and plant species, making it a breathtaking ecosystem. With depths of up to 7- 10 feet, this area is rich with diverse wildlife. Tilapia (Thalaapiya), or as Fuvahmulah locals refer to it, ‘Fenamas’ and ‘Bangaalhu mas’, can be found in this mangrove. Silvery fish (Beyngu) has also been found here. Various other species also contribute to the rich biodiversity of this mangrove.The trees surrounding the mangrove are essential as they provide protection for the organisms living in it. Some types of plants surrounding the lake include Taro (Olhu ala), Thatch screw pines (Boakashikeyo) and several types of plants with medicinal purposes. The wild life living in the trees get the nutrients they need from the mangrove’s ecosystem. White-Breasted Waterhen (Kan’bili) and Common Moorhen (Valu Kukulhu) are two of most common bird species that can be found around here. Watercocks (Valu kukulhu) and Common Moorhen (Kulhee kukulhu) are only found in Fuvahmulah in the Maldives. A large area that surrounds Bandaara mangrove is made up of wetlands. The mud and soil of this area is full of nutrients, and due to this, multiple species of plants can be found growing here. These include plants with medicinal values and several mangrove-associated species as well. A high number of Taro (Ala) has been grown in this area. This wetland area is also helpful when it comes to draining the excess rainwater into the ground. Apart from being a habitat for several different plant species, this area is also home to a variety of bird species. The fact that White-Breasted Waterhen (Kan’bili) is found here in great numbers is evidence that this area is filled with important wildlife.Bandaara Kilhi and the wetland connected to it has ecologically distinct features. Plants with medicinal values and wild life especially found in this area is worth mentioning. The fish found in this mangrove is essential for the survival of the birds that live here as well as the migratory birds that transit in this mangrove. This further contributes to the beauty and lushness of this area. The Bandaara Kilhi and the surrounding wetland area are rather useful during rainy seasons as they absorb the rainwater. Bandaara Kilhi is known as the biggest freshwater reserve in the Maldives. Fuvahmulah is formed in the shape of a bowl, with lower elevation in the middle and higher elevation around the edges.

The sand spit near Dhan’dimagu area is special in that it is unlike any other sand pits in the Maldives. The area is made up of sand that light up with the sunlight, and this creates a breathtaking view that cannot be experienced in any other island in the Maldives. People from all over Maldives visit Fuvahmulah to see this phenomenal sight. The biggest problem facing this sand spit as of now is the amount of sand that is removed from the area for construction. Because there is no other place near the island to get sand for construction, the amount of sand taken from this sand spit has not been controlled.