The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning against those trespassing into areas listed for conservation onboard cruises and other such vessels

EPA detailed that they had noted foreign vessels such as yachts, cruises, and submarines entering the Maldives for tourism were trespassing illegally into areas listed for conservation under environment protection laws in the Maldives. EPA noted they had identified that such trespassers were causing harm to the surrounding environment and wildlife with their actions.

EPA said that certain areas in the Maldives were listed for conservation in order to preserve the environmental assets of the nation for future generations. The authority highlighted that regulations existed for those who wished to enter and experience areas listed for conservation. 

EPA has asked local agents, tour operators, and tourists who wish to enter the areas listed for conservation to acquire the relevant permits from the authority, and to proceed as per the existing regulations to prevent further damage to the environment of areas listed for conservation in the Maldives.