The Government of the Maldives has described ongoing seasonal haze conditions as a national priority, citing concerns over public health, environmental quality and the country’s tourism-dependent economy.
In a statement issues by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials acknowledged growing public concern about the current air quality and warned that sustained exposure to transboundary air pollution could pose risks to community wellbeing and economic stability.
The haze affecting the Maldives is part of wider atmospheric conditions across South Asia. Seasonal wind patterns and regional emissions contribute to the movement of pollutants across national borders, carrying fine particulate matter over long distances.
Although the Maldives produces relatively low levels of industrial emissions compared with larger countries in the region, its geographic characteristics make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes originating elsewhere. With much of the population concentrated on limited land areas and low-lying islands, shifts in air quality can have amplified effects.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working to strengthen international cooperation to address transboundary air pollution through scientific collaboration, improved data sharing and sustained diplomatic dialogue.
The government added that it would continue engaging regional and international partners to mitigate the immediate impacts of the haze while pursuing long-term solutions aimed at improving air quality and environmental resilience.
As a Small Island Developing State, the Maldives has repeatedly highlighted its exposure to environmental threats, including climate change and marine pollution, and has positioned environmental stewardship as central to its development strategy.