Noo Raajje Programme Stakeholders Meet Virtually with Councilorsc

In collaboration with the global NGO Blue Prosperity Coalition, the Government of Maldives has been conducting the Noo Raajje programme in efforts to create a dedicated marine plan around the protection, conservation and prosperity of the invaluable marine resources of the Maldives. The initiative is a step forward towards building a better future for communities, the economy and the environment. 
 
Yesterday, Noo Raajje Program initiated an interactive virtual meeting with assistance from the Local Government Authority, to meet with local councils.  
 
Chief Guest of the ceremony, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Dr. Hussain Rasheed spoke about the importance of sustaining our marine resources for future generations in his opening remarks. He also reflected on the findings of research conducted by Maldives marine Institute and Blue Prosperity Coalition that shows slow but hopeful recovery from the 2016 El Niño event that bleached almost 90% of the corals in the Maldives. Information like this is vital in planning for the future.  
 
Following his speech, Maldives’ Special Envoy for Climate Change Ms Sabra Noordeen continued on the same note whilst emphasizing on the importance of collective and collaborative work needed to make the efforts a success. Ms. Noordeen noted that the aim of the Noo Raajje program is to identify 20% of the conservable areas of the Maldivian ocean, backed by marine spatial plans. A presentation on this was given by Senior Conservation Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Muhsina Abdul Rahman.  
 
Special Envoy further highlighted that the ultimate goal is to decentralize the conservation efforts and allow mass utilization of the ecological sites for sustainable economic and social purposes. She said that, in order to attain a sustainable economy, Maldives must protect its natural resources so that the country would be able to ensure food security as well as economic safety, in the long run. 
 
During the meeting, Noo Raajje Program Coordinator Moosa Zameer Hassan and Site Manager Fathimath Nistharan shared key information and plans on carrying out different contributing projects as part of making the spatial plans. Additionally, Chief Executive of Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Mohamed Imad shared the work being done by the Ministry for the project.  
 
Notable support was shown by councilors who shared their concerns and grievances regarding the existing land use plans and discussed prioritizing environment management in a sustainable manner. 
 
Concluding remarks at the ceremony was given by Director General of LGA, Mr. Shamoon Adam who thanked all stakeholders for their contribution to the project and participants who are eager to be a part of it. LGA will continue to provide their full support and assistance in the capacity building of the councils to attain the most benefits from the project for their islands and its locals.