The Maldives National University (MNU), through its College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), successfully concluded the country’s first-ever Rangers Training Course at its Laamu Gan campus, marking a significant milestone in building national capacity for protected area management. Seventeen participants graduated from the 12-week programme, which was launched under the ENDhERI project as part of an agreement signed in between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the MNU. The curriculum covered a broad range of subjects including environmental science, environmental law and enforcement, social engagement and awareness raising, basic computing skills, and maritime navigation, combining both theoretical instruction and practical fieldwork.

Speaking at the certificate awarding ceremony, Dr Ahmed Riyaz Jauharee, Dean of CFOS, and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment Hassaan Mohamed highlighted the urgent need for skilled rangers to manage the Maldives’ extensive network of protected areas, which numbers over 90 sites but has historically faced a shortage of trained personnel. The graduation of this first cohort represents a key step forward in strengthening environmental resilience and sustainable development goals. Plans are already underway to expand the training initiative to other regions and develop a new Certificate Level 4 course titled “Advanced Certificate in Protected Areas Management and Ranger Training” to further professionalise the ranger service across the Maldives.

Collaboration between Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the MNU.