President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to declare three "eco-rich" regions as conservation areas to be protected under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act.

President Solih reached the decision after a meeting held with his cabinet.

Under the decision, Keylakunu Island of South Thiladhummathi Atoll, along with its reef and lagoon area, the wetlands and mangroves of Neykurendhoo Island of South Thiladhummathi Atoll, and the wetlands and mangroves of Baarah Island of North Thiladhummathi Atoll will be preserved.

Environement experts gave presentations on the issue prior to the meeting, in which cabinet members were briefed on the “unique and rich” eco-systems at the sites as well as the urgency to conserve the areas.

It is part of President Solih’s first 100-days agenda to protect at least one island, one reef and one wetland from each atoll.