Minister Urges Global Cooperation to Protect Biodiversity

At the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Colombia, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim underscored the urgent need for sustainable financial assistance to achieve biodiversity goals. He stressed that the Maldives' National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is currently being reviewed and updated to align with global standards.

Minister Thoriq emphasized the implementation of the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, noting that the updated action plan will incorporate initiatives to help the Maldives meet international biodiversity targets. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by small island developing nations, such as the Maldives, in conserving biodiversity.

During his address, he called for international collaboration to provide targeted assistance to these nations. The Minister also shared ongoing projects aimed at enhancing environmental protection, including the establishment of three additional biosphere reserves and a nature park in each atoll. Additionally, a nature fund has been created to support these initiatives, alongside the launch of a nationwide Five Million Trees Project.