Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated the Maldives is a low-lying country at the forefront to take the brunt of the rising sea level. He made the remarks while speaking at a panel discussion at the Global Citizen Forum 2021 held at the UAE.
Speaking at the panel discussion, Minister Mausoom reiterated the words of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the last United Nations General Assembly, which is that if a country like the Maldives ceases to exist due to climate change, then no other country will exist either. In this regard, the tourism minister said sea level rise and climate change is a global problem and the Maldives is doing what it can in many frontiers to tackle the problem. He also said the Maldives needs assistance from the developed world, especially in reaching the country's target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Furthermore, Minister Mausoom noted the main industry of the Maldives is tourism, which is based on nature. Therefore, he said it is in the best interest for the country and its economy that Maldivians work to preserve the country's natural beauty for future generations.
The tourism minister also highlighted the need for coastal modification, as global warming and environmental changes are already occurring. He added small countries need technical support from developed countries in terms of coastal modification, adding that developed countries can also help by contributing to minimising carbon emissions.
The minister also said developed countries have to determine the common areas for action and that international organisations can take a major role in debating and setting parameters for the types of energy consumption. He added he is confident that countries and individuals will be able to solve the challenges they are facing, even if some of the challenges are caused by human actions.