President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for strengthened efforts to protect biodiversity, describing it as essential to preserving the Maldives' most vital natural assets. His remarks, delivered in observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity, reinforce the nation's commitment to environmental sustainability at a time of growing climate concerns.
The annual United Nations-designated observance, aimed at raising global awareness of biodiversity loss, carries particular resonance for the Maldives. This year's theme, "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development", reflects the increasingly urgent need for conservation strategies that balance ecological preservation with economic resilience.
In a statement shared on social media, President Muizzu characterised the Maldives' natural beauty as its greatest gift, underscoring that conservation must be central to national policy in order to safeguard the country's future.
Stretching across 8,900 square kilometres, the Maldives' coral reef system constitutes five percent of the world's total coral formations, making it the seventh-largest reef network globally. These reefs support vast marine ecosystems, act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, and underpin industries essential to the country’s economy.
The Maldives' identity is inseparable from its natural splendour, with its white sandy beaches and crystalline waters cementing its status as 'Paradise on Earth,' drawing millions of visitors annually and making tourism a pillar of the national economy.
The International Day for Biological Diversity commemorates the 1992 Rio Earth Summit’s adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a landmark agreement that has shaped global conservation efforts. As ecosystems worldwide continue to decline, the observance serves as a critical reminder that biodiversity protection must remain a priority.