Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim on Tuesday stressed on the need for access to reliable and quality data forms to formulate effective policies towards environmental protection.
Speaking during the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Minister Thoriq noted that the Maldives officially joined the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) in January this year, adding that great strides have been made to develop data capacity through leveraging Earth Intelligence and other innovative approaches.
The Minister highlighted the need to establish ways in which we can harness Earth Intelligence to address data gaps and to continuously monitor our ecosystems to ensure effective conservation and planning.
“Access to reliable and quality data forms the foundation of effective policies towards environmental protection, climate action, and reversing land degradation,” he said.
“Such data also helps researchers and local communities to not only understand our environment but better connect with it.”
Minister Thoriq also called on the support of our partners in this process.