India and Maldives ink contract for development of five eco-tourism zones

Recently, India and Maldives has signed a contract for development of five eco-tourism zones in Addu atoll of the island nation. These eco-tourism zones are part of grant projects being implemented under the High-Impact Community Development project (HICDP) scheme which involves a total grant assistance of 5.5 million US dollars to the Maldives.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Point

Currently, there are 9 such high-impact projects being implemented in the Maldives. Developing high-impact assets, building capacities within the local councils and supporting of the local island economy are most important objectives of these projects.

Addu Atoll, also known as Seenu Atoll, is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives.

Addu Atoll, together with Fuvahmulah, located 40 km north of Addu Atoll, extend the Maldives into the Southern Hemisphere.

Unlike other atolls of the Maldives, Addu Atoll has a lagoon that is a natural anchorage, accessible through four natural channels. This results in a natural harbor that is very calm and safe for sea vessels.