Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has underscored the crucial importance of international unity and support to protect the biodiversity of the Maldives. The remarks were made by the minister during a meeting held with the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Astrid Schomaker. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16).
The discussions primarily focused on the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Minister Thoriq also shed light on the Maldives' efforts in protecting and preserving biodiversity, and the challenges encountered. The minister highlighted the necessity for international support in protecting the biodiversity of the Maldives.
Furthermore, Minister Thoriq met with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen. Noting that the meeting with the executive director was productive, the minister emphasised the key role UNEP plays, in the efforts exerted by the Maldives to protect the environment.
The COP16 of the CBD is being held in Cali City in Colombia, from October 21 to November 1. Minister Thoriq departed to participate in this conference on October 24. A total of 196 countries participated in the COP16.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has stated that discussions will be held to review the convention and to discuss potential measures which can be implemented to protect endangered species. Efforts will also be exerted to review the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which was drafted in 2022, and ensure that the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of countries participating in the convention, aligns with the framework.