Maldives
Maldives celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity 2003
The Maldives celebrated the International Day for Biodiversity on the 22nd of May 2003. Several activities were organized to mark the day. The purpose of celebrating biodiversity day was to make people aware of the importance of our biodiversity and the benefits we get from it. The activities also highlighted some threats facing our limited biological resources.
Activities carried out to mark the Biodiversity Day include:
- The Environment Research Centre, Banyan Tree Maldives and The REEF Club of Aminiya School, jointly organized an awareness seminar on `Conserving Turtles, sharks and discovery of Coral Spawning in the Maldives'. This seminar took place on the 22nd May 2002 at Aminiya School. The objective of this seminar was to create awareness among the students about turtles, sharks and coral reefs. About 200 students and invited guests attended the seminar. Members of the National Committee for the Protection of the Environment and officials from the Environment Research Centre attended the seminar.
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| Awareness seminar on `Conserving Turtles, sharks and discovery of Coral Spawning in the Maldives' |
- On the 22nd May 2003, The Black Turtle of the Maldives has been declared a protected species and their capture, sale and captivity is now prohibited. The Black Turtle (Melanochelys trijuga thermalis) is the only terrestrial turtle found in the wild in the islands of Maldives. This turtle is close to extirpation and are currently found only on three islands. The government is taking necessary steps to conserve its population.
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| The protected Black Turtle of the Maldives |
- Environment clubs of Secondary Schools organized awareness raising activities and campaigns on the importance of conserving and sustainable use of biological resources.
- The dailies carried special articles on the occasion and the voice of Maldives and the Television Maldives aired special programs to mark the day.
