Fuvahmulah City’s ‘Farikede’ has been designated as a protected area.
The site was granted the protected area status under the Environment Law. The area will now be preserved in its natural state under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives.
Farikede is an eco-rich reef in Fuvahmulah which is frequented by different varieties of sea creatures. Some of the species that are common in the area are bigeye thresher shark and common thresher shark. Manta rays and whale sharks are also commonly seen cruising the Farikede waters. While these species are on the brink of extinction, the government believes the protection and preservation of the area to be crucial.
Anchoring in the area will now be prohibited except in emergency situations. The law also protects all living creatures in the area, and prohibits removal of sand and coral from the site. Dumping garbage, dredging and reclamation work is also prohibited in the area.
