Former Environment Minister Aminath Shauna has raised alarm over the government’s decision to allow oil and mineral exploration under the newly amended Special Economic Zone (SEZ) law, warning that the move threatens the very foundations of the Maldivian economy.
The President signed the amendment on Tuesday, granting legal authority for deep-sea mining and offshore resource extraction within SEZ operations.
Reacting to the decision, Shauna wrote on X:
“Alarmed by the President signing into law provisions allowing deep-sea mining and oil exploration in the Maldives. This is a grave mistake, threatens marine biodiversity, will destroy fishing grounds, and undermines our tourism value. Profoundly shortsighted!”
Environment Minister Aminath Shauna speaks at the launch of USAID's Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity in Maldives on March 8, 2023. (Sun Photo)
Shauna, a long-time environmental advocate, said such activities have caused severe damage in other regions, where countries have later reversed course after witnessing the destruction of fisheries and marine ecosystems. She noted that livelihoods have been lost elsewhere due to oil and mineral extraction carried out without adequate foresight.
She stressed that the Maldives, a nation whose economy depends heavily on healthy oceans, should not repeat those mistakes. Shauna said the decision risks harming both tourism and fisheries, the country’s two largest economic pillars.
Shauna also highlighted a marine study conducted during the previous MDP administration, which she said revealed new life forms in Maldivian waters. She argued that protecting such biodiversity would bring long-term economic value, rather than exploiting the seabed in ways that could cause irreversible harm.
Alarmed by the President signing into law provisions allowing deep-sea mining and oil exploration in the Maldives. This is a grave mistake — threatens marine biodiversity, will destroy fishing grounds, and undermines our tourism value. Profoundly shortsighted! https://t.co/ZLGaD1jXKC
— Shauna Aminath ????❓ (@anuahsa) January 28, 2026
She described the government’s decision as inconsistent with the Maldives’ positions at international environmental forums.
Shauna currently serves on the board of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), which focuses on advancing knowledge for the sustainable use of marine resources. She has led numerous environmental initiatives during her tenure as minister and has been recognized globally, including being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (2020) and a New Economy Catalyst by Bloomberg (2023).