#Tech4Nature #IUCN #Maldives #Male #Whale Shark

Tech4Nature Project Launched in the Maldives

The Maldives has recently taken a monumental step towards marine conservation with the introduction of the Tech4Nature project, a joint initiative spearheaded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives, and Huawei. This innovative program is designed to enhance the management of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), famed for hosting a significant population of whale sharks (Rhinocodon typus). Utilizing cutting-edge monitoring technologies and real-time communication tools, Tech4Nature aims to balance the pressures of eco-tourism while ensuring the protection of these magnificent creatures.

As the largest marine protected area in the Maldives, SAMPA attracts thousands of visitors each year, thanks to its vital role as a year-round gathering space for whale sharks. The sheer scale and multiple entry points of this protected area traditionally posed logistical challenges for effective monitoring. Tech4Nature addresses these issues by equipping guardians with a comprehensive suite of digital tools for enhanced observation and reporting.

These state-of-the-art tools not only streamline data collection but also facilitate better communication, enabling guardians to monitor interactions between tourists and marine species effectively. This sophisticated framework not only aims to achieve a reliable, data-driven approach to conservation but also aligns with the IUCN's Green List Standards, promoting transparency and measurable progress in conservation efforts. The local communities that rely on a healthy marine ecosystem stand to benefit significantly from these initiatives, as enhancing conservation efforts will ultimately support their livelihoods.

The Maldives project is a part of the larger Tech4Nature partnership, launched in 2020, which combines the expertise of IUCN and Huawei within Huawei’s TECH4ALL digital inclusion program. Tech4Nature projects are designed to show how technology can support effective, fair, and sustainable environmental conservation. The initiative was officially unveiled at the closing ceremony of the Maldives Protected and Conserved Areas Forum 2026, attended by dignitaries and leading figures in conservation. SAMPA, being the first Tech4Nature initiative in the Maldives, forms part of a broader global effort to integrate digital solutions in conservation strategies.

This initiative aims to improve the balance between tourism and conservation by enhancing visitor management practices, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting science-based decision-making. Throughout the project’s duration, a specialized team of guardians will be equipped with necessary monitoring and communication equipment to enhance on-ground oversight. This preparation empowers guardians to respond swiftly to hazardous or inappropriate activities, thereby increasing visitor safety and minimizing harmful interactions with whale sharks. Strengthening monitoring practices will consequently enhance regulatory compliance within the protected area, fostering more sustainable tourism practices that align with SAMPA’s governance and protection objectives.

Dr. Dindo Campilan, the IUCN Regional Director for Asia, emphasized that effective nature conservation begins with equipping guardians with necessary tools for constant on-the-ground monitoring. This foundational step is crucial for better management of ecosystems. It serves as a practical approach to bridging immediate operational gaps in implementing IUCN's Green List standards to ensure SAMPA retains its unique biodiversity, which is vital for the livelihoods dependent on it.

In parallel with the project’s field implementation, training sessions will be conducted for SAMPA guardians on the Green List standards, recognized globally as benchmarks for effective, equitable, and well-managed protected areas. A baseline evaluation of the SAMPA sites according to the Green List will provide a structured framework for identifying strengths, weaknesses, and priority actions for improving management practices.

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting nature conservation and enhancing institutional management mechanisms for protected and conserved areas. It is vital for all stakeholders to collaborate towards this common goal with a shared vision and responsibility,” stated Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment.

As highlighted by Huawei’s General Director for Sri Lanka, Zhang Jinze, successful outcomes from Tech4Nature projects since 2020 show that innovative technological solutions can greatly aid in understanding and mitigating threats to biodiversity and the ecosystems they inhabit, including underwater environments. The global Tech4Nature partnership emphasizes the importance of involving local partners and communities in planning and executing projects, ensuring long-term sustainability of solutions.

So far, the initiative has supported eleven flagship and satellite projects across various countries, delivering tailor-made digital solutions to a wide spectrum of conservation challenges—from coral reef monitoring and wildlife protection to ecosystem restoration.

About Huawei

Established in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, employing approximately 208,000 individuals across over 170 countries and regions, serving billions of people worldwide. Huawei endeavors to deliver digital technology to every individual, home, and organization, aiming to create a fully connected, intelligent world.

About IUCN

The IUCN is a membership union comprised of government and non-governmental organizations, leveraging the experiences and reach of over 1,500 member organizations and contributions from more than 17,000 experts. IUCN serves as a global authority on the state of nature and necessary measures for its conservation.