Environmental Protection Agency

This service allows individuals or organisations to obtain a permit to conduct research on protected species in the Maldives. It covers all species of marine turtles, the black turtle (kanzu kahan’bu), whale sharks, all species of rays, and protected bird species, including migratory and seabirds.

This service allows individuals or organisations to obtain a permit to conduct research in protected areas within the Maldives.

This service can be applied to remove vegetation from one island in a quantity greater than 50 units when removing vegetation for or from government buildings, and when translocating vegetation of any quantity off the island.

This service allows vessel owners to register their vessels for operations within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). All vessels engaging in activities such as whale shark watching, diving, snorkeling, or fishing within SAMPA must be registered to ensure compliance with marine protection regulations. The South Ari Marine Park (SAMPA) is the largest Marine Protected Area in the Maldives, established under the Protected Area Regulations (2018). It is ecologically significant, especially as a habitat for whale sharks, which are protected under the Protected Species Regulation (2021). As of 2024, all whale shark interactions must follow the Whale Shark Interaction Guideline, and vessels in SAMPA must comply with the SAMPA Management Plan. Failure to register may result in penalties or restrictions on vessel operations. Responsible Entity: Environment Protection Authority.