EPA Lifts Ban on Coastal Development Amid Ongoing Coral Bleaching Crisis

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives has lifted its temporary ban on major coastal development activities, initially imposed on 9 May to mitigate the impact of an ongoing mass coral bleaching event. This decision follows guidance from the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) and was timed to align with the peak of the 2024 bleaching window, which concluded on 10 June.
The EPA had put in place stringent measures to protect the nation’s fragile coral reefs, including halting activities that could exacerbate the stress on these ecosystems. The suspended activities encompassed major coastal developments involving heavy machinery, such as dredging, reclamation, beach nourishment, sand pumping, and the installation of reef cables. Additionally, the agency had advised adjustments to work schedules for existing coastal zone projects and postponed new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) applications until after June 2024.
Despite lifting the suspension, the EPA emphasized that the threat of coral bleaching remains significant. The bleaching alert level has been raised from ‘Watch’ to ‘Alert Level 2’. The agency has urged all contractors and relevant agencies to rigorously implement the mitigation measures outlined in the approved EIA reports to prevent further damage to coral reefs and other environmental impacts.
The EPA also recommended that relevant parties consider suspending coastal developmental projects, including land reclamation and harbour dredging near coral reefs, until after 31 August. This cautious approach aims to ensure that developmental activities do not exacerbate the current environmental crisis.
In response to the EPA’s announcement, Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim stated that the government is now set to resume over 200 developmental projects that were suspended due to the EPA’s directive. Speaking to the public service broadcaster, Minister Ibrahim acknowledged the severe impact of coral bleaching on the Maldives’ coral reefs over the past month. However, he noted that ocean temperatures and the extent of coral bleaching were showing signs of decline.
Minister Ibrahim revealed that the EPA had given permission to resume the suspended coastal development projects, and some have already restarted. “We are resuming a substantial number of projects that had been put on hold. President [Mohamed] Muizzu places exceptional emphasis on tackling environmental challenges. Most companies responded positively to our appeal to halt the projects. Shortly, we will disclose the full impact of the current coral bleaching event,” said Minister Ibrahim.
The Maldives has experienced four significant coral bleaching events in recent history, with the first event recorded in 1998, followed by another major event in 2016. Minister Ibrahim stated that if the projects are carried out in strict accordance with the EPA’s EIA reports, the detrimental effects on the coral reefs can be mitigated.
The lifting of the ban comes as a relief to many in the construction and development sectors, who are eager to continue their projects. However, it also places a significant responsibility on these stakeholders to adhere to environmental safeguards and ensure that their activities do not further harm the delicate coral ecosystems that are vital to the Maldives' natural heritage and tourism industry.
The EPA and the Ministry of Environment continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to re-impose restrictions if necessary to protect the coral reefs. The commitment from both governmental bodies and private companies to follow environmental guidelines will be crucial in balancing development needs with the imperative of conserving the Maldives' unique and precious marine environments.
As the Maldives navigates the challenges of development and environmental conservation, the cooperation between the EPA, the Ministry of Environment, and the private sector will be key to ensuring sustainable growth that benefits both the economy and the natural ecosystems that define the island nation.