Maldives Launches National Roadmap for Ocean Accounts at UN Conference

The Maldives has launched a national roadmap to develop ocean accounts, aligning its marine policy with global sustainable development goals. 

The announcement was made during a side event at the Third United Nations Oceans Conference, currently taking place in Nice, France.

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Minister @Shiyamaldives represented the Maldives at the SIDS Ministerial Roundtable for Ocean Action at #UNOC3, joining fellow island leaders to help forge a bold new course toward achieving SDG14.

In his remarks, Minister Shiyam emphasised that “for Small Island Developing… pic.twitter.com/orMjCT0UhU— Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (@MFORmv) June 9, 2025

The roadmap was formally unveiled by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, at a session hosted by the Maldives in partnership with the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership. The initiative is intended to strengthen the country’s ability to assess and manage its marine ecosystems in a structured and data-driven manner.

Ocean accounts provide a framework to monitor the condition, use, and value of ocean and marine resources. This system aligns with national economic accounting standards, allowing countries to better understand the role of natural assets in economic and social development. The approach helps quantify the benefits of marine ecosystems, supporting evidence-based policies for sustainable development.

The roadmap outlines three core objectives. By the end of 2026, the Maldives aims to complete foundational work on ocean accounting. This will be followed by the implementation of pilot projects in various regions and the development of a national ocean accounting system by 2028. The final stage, set for completion by 2030, involves integrating insights from ocean accounts into broader development policies across all relevant sectors.

In his address, Minister Thoriq highlighted the critical relationship between the Maldives’ development and the health of its marine biodiversity. He emphasised the need to safeguard natural resources, habitats, and species that underpin the country’s environmental and economic resilience.

The Third UN Oceans Conference, held from 9 to 13 June, brings together global leaders, policymakers, scientists, and environmental advocates to discuss ocean sustainability. The event focuses on mobilising action to protect the world’s oceans and on securing resources to achieve the 14th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14).

SDG 14 calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. It addresses key areas such as marine biodiversity, pollution reduction, fisheries management, and ocean acidification.

Alongside the Minister of Tourism and Environment, the Maldives’ delegation to the conference includes the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam.