Maldives government has insisted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technology cooperation signed between a Chinese institute will assist in its efforts for the restoration and conservation of reefs and corals in the island nation.
The MOU was signed between the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday.
The government’s comments came on the back of some media reports that the MOU had opened the door for China to gather intelligence in Maldivian waters.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment insisted that the MoU with the Chinese Academy of Sciences will largely focus on coral restoration. The work will be carried out under direct supervision and at areas designated by the EPA.
The first part of the initiative will be carried out on the Rasfari reef, which was damaged by a shipwreck years ago.
The Ministry further said the EPA has staff with the technical expertise to carry out coral restoration work but lacks the required technical equipment. Under the MoU, the Chinese Academy of Sciences will provide a portable weather station and a temperature log, it said.
The Ministry said work will be carried out in protected areas after the necessary permits are obtained. The installation, use and all related work of the equipment provided by Chinese Academy will be done by EPA staff, the Ministry added.