Calling Out Resorts To Take Part In The Ocean Use Survey

Wednesday 11th of May 2022

The Government of Maldives in association with Blue Prosperity Coalition has been leading “Noo Raajje” program since it kick-started Last year. Through this program, scientific expeditions into the Maldives’ ocean spaces will take place along with shaping policy on the proper use of marine resources, and consultations with communities to devise better means of protecting the Maldives’ marine ecosystems.

One of the key-aims of the program is to help the Government implement a legally binding Maritime Spatial Plan spanning the Maldives ‘Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); and advance efforts to designate at least 20 per cent of the Maldives’ ocean as protected areas.

More than 2,100 ocean users have answered so far to the Ocean Use Survey, allowing researchers to identify water-based activities such as fishing, recreation, tourism, and cultural use on 138 islands. While the poll has gotten replies from a variety of ocean-related industries, the Noo Raajje team is currently looking for resorts to participate.

Before the poll ends at the end of June, the Ocean Use Survey hopes to reach as many establishments as possible. Given the importance of tourism to the Maldivian economy and the fact that resorts make great use of the water, it is critical to include comments from the tourism sector.