Minister of Environment Shares Milestones from First 6 Months

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, last Thursday outlined the work done by the Ministry over the past six months of the new administration.

Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, Thoriq touched upon initiatives ranging from renewable energy to waste management and conservation efforts aimed at protecting the nation’s natural resources.

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Renewable energy

Thoriq provided an update on the “My Solar Programme” initiated in November to increase the adoption of renewable energy in Maldives. The ministry has hired a contractor to procure solar PV systems under the first phase of the project, he shared.

The government has also completed the design work for the installation of solar PV diesel hybrid systems in 28 islands of Raa and Baa atolls. Meanwhile, solar PV diesel hybrid systems have been installed and commissioned in 12 islands of Thaa Atoll.

Water

Thoriq highlighted the ministry’s efforts to provide discounts for the hiked electric and water bills during March and April which saw a record high in temperatures.

The government also signed an agreement with the utility company FENAKA to supply water to islands facing shortages. So far, this year 20 islands have been supplied water after facing shortages, according to Thoriq.

An agreement was also signed with the state-owned Male Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) to upgrade the water supply network in Addu City. The company was also tasked with conducting a study of the water and sewerage system in Villimale to identify future development priorities.

Waste

The Minister also shared efforts to improve waste management across the country, including the provision of equipment in 22 islands and the contraction of establishing waste management facilities in nine islands.

Waste collection vehicles were handed over to 38 islands, composting equipment was handed to four islands and waste management training was provided to 27 islands. An incinerator was also supplied to the waste management facility in Thulafushi.

The government also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese company called CNTY to cooperate in the field of waste management and renewable energy.

Clean Air and Public Health

According to the Thoriq, the government has also upgraded the Upper Air Observation Station at Addu City Gan to meet WMO’s Global Basic Observation Network (GBON) standards.

In this regard, two air quality monitoring sensors were set up in the Male area to expand the air quality monitoring system established under the Ministry.

The government is also conducting studies to determine the level of mercury present in the bodies of Maldivians. Samples have been collected and sent to the Asian Institute of Technology for analysis, Thoriq said.

An additional radar has been installed in Addu to increase radar coverage, according to Thoriq.

Thoriq also announced that the government plans to kick off World Environment Day on 5th June with a nationwide tree planting event as a start to achieve President Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to plant 5 million trees.

Conservation and Research

Meanwhile, bicycles and battery bicycles have been sent to Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo to establish an environmentally friendly system for the people and tourists to travel in the island’s protected area.

Thoriq also announced long-overdue efforts to manage the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Three rangers have now been appointed and trained to maintain the area – 15 years after it was designated as a protected area.

The ministry is also working on raising funds to establish a national Environmental Research Center, Thoriq said.

Mass Coral Bleaching Event

Thoriq also touched upon the government’s response to the mass coral bleaching event being experienced by the coral reefs in Maldives. 

He noted that the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) took emergency measures to halt reclamation and development projects that would increase stress on corals after issuing an Level 1 Alert for coral bleaching.

However, the ministry has bypassed these emergency measures and given out an exception for the reclamation project of Vaavehdhifalhu – which is being developed as a luxury resort under the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts brand. 

Thoriq noted that the ministry have been receiving requests to provide exceptions to projects that would require the government to pay penalties for delays. 

The EPA imposed suspension runs until 10th June.

International Advocacy

Thoriq announced that a Maldivian delegation led by President Muizzu is set to take part in the 4th International Conference on Small Island Development States to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 27th to 30th May.

Maldives has also taken on the role of chairing the Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC).

Furthermore, the parliament approved the ratification of the “Agreement Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction” or Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)