Special Envoy of the Maldives for Climate Change Sabra Noordeen has stated collective and collaborative work is necessary to safeguard marine resources in the Maldives for future generations.
She made the statement at a virtual meeting hosted by the Noo Raajje programme, in partnership with the Local Government Authority (LGA), to confer information about marine spatial planning to local councillors. Noo Raajje programme is a partnership between the government and the Blue Prosperity Coalition, with the aim of protecting the ocean and its resources.
Speaking at the meeting, Special Envoy Noordeen said the Noo Raajje programme aims to identify 20 percent of oceans in the Maldives that can be conserved by compiling marine spatial plans backed by adequate scientific research and input from community stakeholders. The programme aims to maintain the ecological significance of these areas while still allowing people to utilise them for economic and social purposes, she said.
Reflecting how the pandemic had caused major economic challenges, Sabra highlighted the renewed importance of decentralisation and said the Maldives must protect its natural resources in order for the country to ensure long-term food security and economic safety. She also noted some of the country's key climate ambitions such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions by enacting the Climate Emergency Act as well as increasing sustainable energy production. Solar panels have been established in 26 different islands in the last two years, which has reduced carbon emission by 72,000 tonnes and saved up to 10 million US dollars in oil imports to run power plants, she stated.
Also at the meeting, councillors shared their concerns and grievances regarding the existing land use plans and discussed prioritising environment management in a sustainable manner.