Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has stated currently the biggest threat to the environment is dumping garbage in the seas and lagoons, adding the administration would bring an end to the practice. He made the statement, addressing the ceremony held to award certificates to those who completed the Small Grant Programme (SGP) organised by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the assistance of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Noting without protecting the seas and lagoons surrounding the islands in Maldives, the delicate environment cannot be protected, Environment Minister Hussain Rasheed emphasised it is a national responsibility to deliver a safe environment to the future generations. The environment minister stated complaints have been received that some resorts in operation and under development are dumping waste in the waters surrounding the islands. The minister said the government will not hesitate to take necessary action to protect the delicate island nation. He said issues such as illegal logging and uprooting of trees and palms are under investigation.
GEF SGP was launched in Maldives in 2010, with USD 150,000 in grant funds provided by the Australian Government Overseas Aid Program (AusAID). SGP also delivers a specific grant component with the objective to improve the adaptive capacity of communities and to reduce their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.