Minister of Defense Mariya Ahmed Didi has reiterated that climate security is crucial for a low-lying island country like the Maldives. She made the remarks addressing the 19th Asia Security Summit IISS Shangri-La Dialogue's Special Session on Climate Security and Green Defense held in Singapore.
Speaking at the special session, Minister Mariya emphasised the link between climate security and national security in her remarks. Climate security is critical for an island country like the Maldives, which is 99.7% sea, with several islands less than three feet above sea level, and 70% of the country's infrastructure and more than 50% of the populous areas within 100m of the sea, she said.
Furthermore, Minister Mariya noted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attaches special importance to raising awareness among the international community about the adverse impacts of climate change on small island countries such as the Maldives despite the challenges and concerns faced in ensuring security and democracy. The minister said Maldives Defense White Paper, which is currently being drafted, will include a guideline for all agencies belonging to the military and defense sectors to include more environmentally friendly and greener principles and procedures.
In conclusion, she also noted that discussions between the concerned authorities and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) have commenced and are ongoing, on the management of marine protected zones and ecological reserves on lands and estates given for military purposes.