IUCN conducted a study to assess the feasibility and desirability of adopting the IUCN Green List Standard on Protected and Conserved Areas in the Republic of Maldives.

The goal of this study was to ensure that the IUCN Green List is used in the most effective way by providing a clear understanding of the local context around protected and conserved areas in the Maldives. The main objectives were: 1) to understand issues related to PCA management, 2) to determine the feasibility of the Maldives adopting the IUCN Green List Standard and 3) to discuss how the IUCN Green List Standard may be used to strengthen PCA management in the country.

The study provides an analysis of the potential to use the IUCN Green List Standard to enhance the management and governance of protected and conserved areas in order to achieve successful conservation outcomes in Maldives.

The results suggest that despite the widespread use of PCAs, the existing management approach is insufficient to achieve effective environmental management and to meet the goals set forth in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2025 (NBSAP). The findings of this report indicate a clear need to strengthen the management of PCAs in the Maldives. There is obvious value and significant enthusiasm for developing effective PCA management, and the existing national programmes and legal and policy frameworks are robust and well-developed. There is significant potential for utilising the IUCN Green List to enhance the PCA network across the country.

The full report – “IUCN Green List in The Maldives: A Feasibility Study Exploring the Potential for Taking Forward the IUCN Green List in the Maldives” is available for download here.

Photo ©Ahmed Shan