The biggest threats to Maldives' biodiversity are the adverse impacts of climate change, land reclamation and harbor construction projects, according to the country's first environmental audit.
An audit of the system of protection of natural sites in Baa atoll was done for the report. Ninety-three sites have been protected by 2024, of which 14 belong to the Baa atoll.
“The biggest challenge facing the country’s biodiversity today is the increasing adverse impacts of climate change, losses due to infrastructure development projects such as land reclamation, harbor construction..," the audit stated.
The report said that the Maldives' population growth and economic development have led to a significant increase in the use of natural resources.
According to the report, 71 percent of the population found jobs because of the biodiversity. It also contributed to 89 percent of GDP and 98 percent of exports.
Reefs in Maldives are the fifth richest in biodiversity in the world and it is the seventh largest reef in the world.
