Noo Raajje is a 5-year program led by the Government of the Maldives and the Blue Prosperity Coalition to protect the ocean and its resources to build a bright future for communities, the economy, and the environment.
In the Maldives, the program is led by the President's Office and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, and in partnership with staff from the Maldives Marine Research Institute.
Members of the Blue Prosperity Coalition include the Waitt Institute, National Geographic Pristine Seas, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
The founding member and the organizing body of the Blue Prosperity Coalition is the Waitt Institute who consists of planning experts, lawyers, scientists, blue economy experts, sustainable fisheries specialists, communication connoisseurs, policy analysts, and more.
The Maldives is one of the 9 countries that has partnered with Blue Prosperity Coalition, to help protect the ocean and its resources, to build a brighter future for the communities, the economy, and the environment.
A team of researchers from the United States, as well as Maldivian scientists from the Maldives Marine Research Institute, carried out the first ever, archipelago-wide assessment of ocean health in the Maldives.
They surveyed the health of coral reef habitats and fish populations, with a particular focus on Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addu, and North and South Male’ Atoll.
Research methods employed by the scientists included scuba diving surveys that study fish populations, coral reef health to better understand the composition and health of nearshore marine habitats as well as water quality samples and baited underwater cameras to gather information on larger species like sharks and turtles.
The analysis of the data collected from the research will greatly aid the Government and Noo Raajje partners in their marine spatial planning efforts, helping preserve important fish stocks, ensure sustainable tourism practices, and safeguard ocean health.
This in turn facilitates policymakers on ways to sustainably manage fisheries, boost incomes, and improve ocean health across the archipelago.
