The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced that 12 more individuals have successfully completed the certification programme for guides operating in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), bringing the total number of certified guides to 636.
The certification programme is part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of one of the Maldives' most valuable marine ecosystems while ensuring visitors enjoy safe and responsible wildlife experiences.
SAMPA is internationally recognised as one of the world's most important habitats for whale sharks, locally known as Fehurihi. Unlike many other destinations, whale sharks can be observed in the area throughout the year, making it one of the Maldives' premier marine tourism attractions. The protected area is also home to vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, manta rays and several species of sharks.
Stretching approximately 42 kilometres from the northwestern reef of Rangali Island to the northeastern tip of Dhigurah Island, the marine protected area extends one kilometre seaward from the outer reef. It was first declared a protected area in 2009, while a comprehensive management plan came into effect in July 2019, supported by dedicated park rangers and regulations designed to safeguard the ecosystem.
Ocean currents carry large concentrations of plankton into the area, creating ideal feeding conditions for whale sharks while also helping them regulate their body temperature. The abundance of these gentle giants attracts more than 65,000 tourists each year, with whale shark tourism in the protected area estimated to generate around US$9.4 million annually.
However, the growing number of visitors has also increased the risk of accidents and injuries to whale sharks, particularly from mechanised vessels. To minimise these threats, the government established a specialised guide certification programme to ensure tourists and vessel operators follow strict rules while within the protected area.
According to the Ministry, anyone wishing to work as a certified SAMPA guide must obtain certification from the Environmental Protection Agency. Applicants are required to pass both the written examination and an Emergency First Response assessment, scoring at least 75 percent overall. They must also hold a Rescue Diver certificate, Snorkel Guide certificate or Lifeguard certification before being eligible to work in the protected area.
Special certification examinations are conducted every Wednesday in Malé and Alif Dhaal Maamigili.
The Ministry is encouraging interested applicants to register by emailing [email protected], while the complete list of certified guides is available on the Ministry's website.
SAMPA is today the largest marine protected area in the Maldives and is regarded as one of the world's most significant whale shark habitats. According to the Big Fish Network, more than 726 individual whale sharks have been identified within the protected area through over 8,000 recorded encounters, with many returning repeatedly over the years. Most of the sharks observed are juvenile males, giving SAMPA one of the highest known re-sighting rates of whale sharks anywhere in the world and highlighting its importance as a critical habitat before the animals reach full maturity.
The guide training programme also supports President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's vision of increasing opportunities for Maldivian youth to participate in marine conservation and sustainable tourism while showcasing the country's unique natural heritage to visitors from around the world.
