Over MVR 263 Million in Environmental Fines Remain Uncollected, Says EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives has revealed that a staggering sum of over MVR 263 million in fines, imposed for various environmental violations, remains uncollected.

Among its vital functions, the EPA oversees the implementation of regulations formulated by the Ministry of Environment, aiming to safeguard the country’s rural environment. This entails monitoring and ensuring compliance with environmental statutes by both private entities and government agencies, as well as taking requisite corrective actions.

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The EPA has consistently taken robust measures, including imposing substantial fines, to curb environmental transgressions and promote ecological preservation.

Notably, up to September of the current year, 19 individuals faced fines and sanctions in connection with 13 cases of environmental harm. Out of these cases, 11 individuals have settled their fines, while eight others have not. Climbing violations accounted for the highest number of fines issued.

The offenses that attracted fines ranged from vessel drifting and the abuse of protected species to illicit waste management practices, infringements of beach protection regulations, and unauthorised sand removal from beaches.

The most substantial fines were levied in cases of vessel collisions, amounting to a total of MVR 234,534,110.

However, the EPA has underscored a critical issue concerning fines associated with incidents involving public entities and overseas companies. Some of these fines have remained unpaid due to existing legal and regulatory constraints.

According to the EPA, protracted court proceedings have exacerbated the difficulties encountered in collecting outstanding fines owed to the agency.

The situation raises concerns about the efficacy of the current system in ensuring that environmental fines are effectively enforced and collected, thus emphasising the pressing need for reforms to address this issue.