The Maldives and India have held discussions on strengthening cooperation in the environmental sector, with a focus on climate resilience, environmental protection and technical collaboration.
Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef held the discussions with India’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav during his visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to attend the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Director of Knowledge Management, Research and Assessment Ahmed Shaan also attended the meeting alongside Minister Ali Shareef.
During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed the close and friendly relations between the Maldives and India and discussed strengthening cooperation in the environmental sector and atmospheric science. They also explored practical measures to strengthen climate resilience and environmental protection.
As part of these discussions, the two countries explored cooperation in environmental conservation, mapping areas affected by erosion and strengthening capacity to use Earth observation systems to identify climate risks. They also discussed working together to protect mangroves, coastal areas, the environment and marine biodiversity.
The discussions also focused on strengthening ties between technical institutions in the Maldives and India and conducting capacity-building programmes.
Building on these areas of cooperation, both countries agreed to work towards formal agreements and further strengthen efforts to build climate resilience across the South Asian region.
At UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, the Maldives also advocated for the circumstances and challenges faced by small island nations such as the Maldives to receive due consideration when developing the Convention’s international standards and mechanisms for providing financial assistance.