Gov’t highlights efforts to protect Maldives’ tourism from climate change

Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that significant efforts are underway to protect the Maldives’ tourism sector from the effects of climate change. Speaking at a ministerial meeting on strengthening climate action in tourism during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), the minister emphasized the country’s commitment to developing sustainable tourism in response to climate change. He highlighted the adverse impacts climate change is having on tourism and the efforts being made to protect and restore carbon sequestration environments, such as shellfish habitats. The minister also discussed various initiatives being implemented at the island level within the tourism industry. This meeting marked the first ministerial discussion on tourism and climate change. During COP29, the Maldives submitted its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), fulfilling a key responsibility under the Paris Agreement. The Maldives is the third small island nation to submit this report, which outlines greenhouse gas emissions and efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The report also provides information on progress toward achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the support received to implement climate change initiatives. The submission of this report represents a significant step in the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to address climate change. Following the submission, the Maldives was awarded the BTR Champion certificate, recognizing its commitment to international climate action and the dissemination of critical climate change information.