Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna has stated the Maldives needs support and cooperation from the international community to maintain and manage the tuna stock and other resources available in the ocean.
Speaking virtually at the high-level dialogue of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress held in Marseille, Minister Shauna highlighted the importance of protecting the ocean and sustainable management of ocean resources, noting the global target of protecting 30% of the ocean will undoubtedly improve the fisheries sector which is the livelihood of many Maldivians. The minister noted the Maldives practices the sustainable fishing method of pole-and-line fishing, and strongly advocates for the implementation of management measures for tuna stock in the ocean. However, she noted the Maldives cannot do it alone and urged for international support and assistance in protecting the ocean resources.
Speaking further, Minister Shauna stated the Maldives is taking additional steps at national level to protect island communities. In this regard, the minister noted the Maldives is forming national guidelines on area-based conservation measures, which will be implemented very soon. She added the Maldivian government has adapted a thorough consultative process in declaration of protected areas, and is increasingly involved with local communities in managing them.
However, Minister Shauna noted the Maldives has limited resources and capacity to implement all the required measures for the protection of ocean resources. Noting the Maldives is a frontline ocean state, the minister called for additional resources and assistance in managing and protecting ocean resources.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is being held in Marseille, France from September 3-11, 2021. The aim of the congress is to set priorities and drive conservation and sustainable development action.