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Collaborative efforts vital to protect biodiversity

The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed annually, aiming to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The primary objective of celebrating this day is to exert collaborative efforts to protect all animal species.

The theme for this year is: Be Part of the Plan. The theme was chosen to emphasise the need for a collective and coordinated approach to address and reverse the loss of biodiversity and supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It further encourages the identification of measures to be implemented to protect species at individual and community levels, in collaboration with businesses and the government authorities.

The Maldives is a nation which comprises a vast biodiversity and a good environment. As such, the coral reefs and lagoons of the nation covers an area of ​​8,900 sq km, contributing to five percent of the coral reefs and lagoons in the world. The Maldives has the seventh-largest coral reefs and lagoons in the world.

While the ocean constitutes to 99% of the Maldives, it is also the home for over 1,100 species of fishes and 180 species living within the corals. Records additionally indicate that over 580 plants and vast variety of 170 species of birds live in the Maldives.

However, the Maldives has been experiencing persistent coral bleaching, exacerbated by rising sea levels. Aiming to address this issue, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced a temporary halt on permits for developmental projects that may impact the reefs directly or indirectly. These projects include land reclamation, reef excavation, sand disposal on beaches, and other initiatives involving machinery near the reefs.

Under the efforts to protect the marine ecosystem, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu submitted a proposal seeking parliamentary approval for the Maldives to participate in the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction convention. The Parliament granted approval to partake in the treaty in the General Assembly held on May 13. The government has stressed the significance of small nations like the Maldives to participate in such international conventions to protect the marine ecosystems sustainably. It further stated that this is by far the most important initiative taken to protect the ocean and it's resources.

Collaborative efforts from individuals and government bodies are vital to protect the biodiversity.