Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has underscored the crucial importance of the Asia Protected Area Partnership (APAP) Roadmap, noting that it supports the Maldives' efforts of protecting the environment.
Speaking at the Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) 2024 Asia Forum, organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Minister Thoriq highlighted that the APAP Roadmap will bolster the Maldives' environmental protection initiatives. It will also facilitate stronger bilateral relations with other Asian countries and the sharing of valuable experiences.
At the forum, Minister Thoriq introduced the (APAP) Roadmap for Other effective area based conservation measures (OECM). The primary objective of the APAP Roadmap is to strengthen the efforts exerted to protect the environment, while ensuring that natural resources are utilised sustainably by the Asian countries. The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy stated that the roadmap also aims to enhance cooperation among Asian countries in environmental conservation.
Furthermore, Minister Thoriq co-chaired the "Celebrating the Decade of Advancing Protected Areas in Asia", held under the RCF 2024 Asia Forum. This event marked the achievements of the past decade in protecting and preserving Asia’s protected sites. The minister expressed optimism that the event will ensure that the efforts exerted by the Maldives to protect the environment, are also recognised at a global level, and also expand the Maldives' role in Asia.
The ICUN's eighth RCF 2024 Asia Forum aims to evaluate conservation progress, revisit priority goals and propose strategic directions for the region's key stakeholders to best address challenges concerning the environment and biodiversity over the next 20 years. The forum was held in Bangkok, Thailand, and saw the participation of over 600 participants.