Hirimaradhoo Mangrove

Hirimaradhoo’s mangrove wetland is a rare and valuable ecosystem in the far north of the Maldives. Tucked within the island’s low-lying interior, the mangrove acts as a natural freshwater reservoir, flood buffer, and biodiversity refuge. It supports salt-tolerant vegetation, birdlife, juvenile fish, and invertebrates, while helping regulate groundwater and protect surrounding reefs. For generations, the mangrove has quietly sustained island life through ecological balance rather than extraction. As pressures from climate change and development grow, Hirimaradhoo’s mangrove stands as an important reminder of the Maldives’ lesser-known natural heritage and the critical role wetlands play in island resilience.