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Soneva Jani OECM

OECMs – Other areas that conserve nature.

About this area

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The Frist OECM in the Maldives, Soneva Jani OECM is located on the eastern side of the Soneva Jani Resort, situated on Medhufaru Island of Noonu Atoll. Encompassing a total area of 0.41 square kilometers, this area is divided into three distinct ecological sites designed to conserve the island's unique biodiversity.

The OECM serves as a vital sanctuary for several threatened marine, avian, and botanical species.The beach within Zone 2 is a documented nesting ground for the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas / Velaa), which is listed in the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable globally and Endangered nationally, in the Maldives Red List. Additionally, the wetland environments across Zones 2 and 3 support a rich variety of native flora, including Lumnitzera racemosa (Burvei), Ficus sp. (Nikagas), Talipariti tiliaceum (Dhigga), Guettarda speciosa (Uni), Terminalia catappa (Midhiligas), Scaevola taccada (Magoo), Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo), and Pandanus tectorius (Boakashikeyo). The area also hosts diverse bird populations. Notable avian inhabitants include the Grey Heron, Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii / Huvadhoo Raabon’dhi), Crab-plover (Dromas ardeola / Theyravaa), White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus / Kan’bili), Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus / Kulhee kukulhu), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos / Fidhana), and the Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus / Koveli).

The outer reef areas within zone 1 and 2 of the OECM are observed to support a diverse assemblage of reef-associated fauna. In addition to this, Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus / Falhu miyaru), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus / Olhufathi miyaru), Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi / En madi), Mangrove Whipray (Urogymnus granulatus / madi), and Hawskbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata / Kahan’bu), which has been classified as Critically Endangered on both the IUCN Global Red List and the Maldives Red List, are among the species that have been documented within the reef area.

The mangrove and wetland ecosystems within the Soneva Jani OECM provides indispensable ecological benefits that safeguard both the local environment and the broader climate. These habitats act as natural barriers, mitigating the risk of coastal erosion, reducing the impact of tidal waves, and protecting the island from natural disasters. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in local hydrology by minimizing flooding risks and actively recharging the island’s freshwater lens. On a global scale, these wetlands serve as highly efficient carbon sinks, capturing and storing atmospheric carbon to assist in the mitigation of climate change. Beyond these structural and climatic functions, they provide a thriving, nutrient-rich environment essential for the survival and reproduction of numerous resident and migratory bird species.

OECM areas are significantly important for the conservation of protected species in the Maldives, as well as globally recorded endangered/threatened/vulnerable species.

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Facts

Status
Designated
Total Area
41.00 ha
Date of Protection
10 August 2026
Ecosystem Typology
Marine, Terrestrial, Mangrove

Species

All species