Enhancing Natural Resource Management with the Endheri Project

The Maldives is set to implement the Endheri project across the nation, as announced by Climate Change and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim. Speaking at the "Endheri Small Grants 2024" handover ceremony in L. Fonadhoo, the Minister highlighted the project’s significance for assessing the country’s natural resources. During the event, Laamu atoll received funding of Rs 1.5 million distributed among three local associations.

Additionally, Rs 6 million was allocated to the council for maintaining protected areas in the province.Minister Thoriq emphasized the need to evaluate essential natural resources, noting that while foreign nations recognize their value, the Maldives has yet to assess its forests, grasslands, and marine ecosystems adequately. The Endheri project aims to establish natural capital accounts throughout the country.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been contracted to conduct assessments of the Maldives’ natural resources, including coral reefs, seagrass, and forests in Laamu atoll.

A UNSW team will visit the Maldives in November to share their findings and provide training to relevant local institutions.