The Unsung Natural Beauty Of The Maldives- The Mangroves

Thursday 28th of July 2022

While Maldives is famed for its blue hues and white coral beaches, a mysterious haven of another kind of nature can also be seen from this archipelago. Maldives is home to numerous mangroves constituting roughly 12% of the 1200 islands that adorn this nation. On 26th July the country marks the independence day of this country alongside the International Day for The Conservation of Mangrove systems.

In Maldives, mangroves are usually found in semi-enclosed areas of slight salinity and can be even seen in muddy areas and alongside coastline lagoons. The two main types of mangroves that are found in the Maldives are the close mangrove system and the open Mangroves. While closed systems tend to disseminate around stagnant water bodies, open ones will extend towards the ocean. The Maldives is home to many different kinds of mangroves such as the ones located in Hithadoo, Gan, Maibaidhoo and Gaadhoo. The greatest number of mangroves can be seen in Laamu Atoll.

The International Day for the Conservation of Mangroves is marked to create awareness about mangrove systems and work towards its conservation. Mangroves also provide a home to a plethora of wildlife and its role as a carbon-sink is vital in tackling global warming concerns. Apart from its natural habitat and environmental importance, mangroves are also a livelihood for neighbouring communities with different plant materials and fish nurseries providing the necessary income for many people.

On the occasion of Mangrove Day, the director general of UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azouley said on her message that UNESCO is aiming to protect blue carbon ecosystems around the world and that is precisely why a mangrove restoration project will be launched in 7 countries across Latin America. She also remarked that the heart of conservation efforts lies in global awareness and the need to educate the public requires immediate attention. Thus, the exhibition to be held in Thailand to better enlighten the mysteries of Mangroves to work towards their sustainability.

The Maldivian tradition also entwines with mangroves with popular folklore and sayings derived from Mangroves. The wife of a sultan “Kulhavaffaru Ranin” who once lived in a mangrove is a famous story among Maldivians and teaches the importance of never forgetting your roots how far ahead in life you succeed. 

-All Photos Taken from Maldives Biodiversity Website-