Maldives Launches Innovative Tech4Nature Project to Protect Iconic Whale Sharks

In an ambitious new initiative, the Maldives has partnered with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Huawei to launch the Tech4Nature project. This project aims to enhance the management of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), which is the largest marine protected area in the Maldivian archipelago and a year-round habitat for whale sharks (Rhinocodon typus). The project integrates advanced monitoring technologies and real-time communication tools to not only safeguard these majestic creatures but also to address the socio-economic pressures influenced by tourism, a key sector in the region.

SAMPA attracts thousands of visitors every year, drawn by its vast underwater biodiversity and the chance to see these iconic sharks up close. However, traditional monitoring methods struggle to effectively cover the extensive area, presenting logistical challenges. The Tech4Nature project responds to this by equipping rangers with digital tools that streamline data collection and enhance communication capabilities. With better data collection and dissemination, rangers can ensure more efficient patrolling and respond effectively to interactions between visitors and protected species.

One of the key aims of the project is to provide a reliable framework supported by data that can lead to SAMPA's inclusion in the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas. This inclusion not only serves as recognition of effective management practices but also brings increased transparency and accountability in conservation efforts. Through enhanced monitoring mechanisms, the project is positioned to quantitatively assess protection measures and support local communities dependent on the health of the marine ecosystem.

Launching the initiative during the high-level closing ceremony of the Maldives' forum on Protected Areas, this pilot for Tech4Nature marks a significant step in a global agenda supported by IUCN and Huawei to leverage digital solutions for conservation. The SAMPA project is designed to create a balance between tourism and conservation, enhancing visitor management and enforcing regulations to protect the natural habitat.

As part of this undertaking, a dedicated team of rangers will be equipped with the necessary technologies for monitoring and communication, allowing them to enforce regulations proactively. This will improve visitor safety and reduce detrimental interactions with whale sharks. Enhanced oversight will also facilitate better compliance with existing regulations, paving the way for more eco-friendly tourism practices aligned with SAMPA's management and conservation objectives.

Dr. Dindo Campilan, IUCN Regional Director for Asia, emphasized that effective conservation begins with equipping rangers with essential tools for constant surveillance. This foundation is crucial for improving ecosystem management. The project aims to address current management deficiencies by applying the IUCN Green List standard, which aims to conserve SAMPA's unique biodiversity and support local livelihoods that depend on the marine reserve.

Moreover, the project will support ranger training in line with the IUCN Green List framework, recognized globally as a benchmark for effective and equitable management of protected areas. A baseline assessment against the Green List standard will be conducted for SAMPA, providing structured insights into strengths, weaknesses, and priority actions necessary for management enhancements.

Maldives' Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, expressed the government's commitment to enhance conservation efforts and strengthen institutional and management mechanisms within protected area governance. He remarked on the importance of collaborative efforts towards achieving these goals with a shared vision and collective responsibility.

Highlighting the positive outcomes from previous Tech4Nature projects since 2020, Zhang Jinze, CEO of Huawei Sri Lanka, noted that innovative technological solutions can help understand and mitigate biodiversity threats, particularly in marine environments. The project also emphasizes local stakeholder and community involvement in planning and implementation, ensuring sustainable solutions.

Currently, the initiative supports 11 flagship and companion projects in various countries, offering tailored digital solutions to conservation challenges ranging from coral reef monitoring to wildlife protection and ecosystem restoration.

Huawei, founded in 1987, stands as a leading global provider of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, operating in over 170 countries and regions with a workforce of about 208,000 employees. Meanwhile, the IUCN, an assembly-based union of government and non-government organizations, utilizes expertise and resources from over 1,500 member organizations to address global conservation needs. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives is responsible for the oversight and implementation of policies related to tourism development and environmental management, enhancing the synergistic relationship between sustainable tourism and conservation.