The Maldives is taking part in the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held from 14 to 28 August in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Representing the island nation were Ahmed Shan, Director of Knowledge Management, Research and Assessment, and Aishath Alhan Hameed, Senior Surveyor, both from the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy.
According to the Ministry, this year’s summit centred on strengthening countries’ resilience to drought, with delegates debating an international policy framework that would establish early‑warning systems and risk‑financing mechanisms to operationalise drought‑protection plans. Participants also stressed the urgency of scaling up public and private investment to rehabilitate agricultural land, soils and grasslands, a key step toward achieving the global target of Land Degradation Neutrality.
Highlighting the role of science, the Maldivian delegation underscored the need for robust research to monitor drought trends, manage soil and water resources, and restore natural ecosystems in line with broader climate‑change objectives.
Under the conference theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope,” the Maldives reiterated its commitment to collaborate with other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and international partners to devise comprehensive solutions that safeguard its fragile terrestrial habitats and shallow‑reef environments.
The Ministry affirmed that the Maldives will continue to pursue integrated strategies that address both land‑based and marine challenges, ensuring the nation’s ecosystems remain resilient amid a changing climate.