Maldives Takes A Step Towards The Future With The Unveiling Of Its Floating City Project

During a special event held at the Ministry of Tourism yesterday, the Maldives Floating City (MFC) project has been officially launched. The launching event was graced by the Former President and the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, the Minister of Tourism and the CEO of Dutch Docklands – the contractor.

Thanks to climate change and the forecast of increasing sea levels, the Maldives - which are now only one and a half meters above sea level — could one day be totally submerged. The floating islands are part of a joint project that many hope will be the solution to the impending environmental crisis the islands could face over the next 50 years.

Set to commence this September, the project will involve the development of a 200 hector lagoon next to the island of Aarah, to compromise of approximately 5000 housing units that will be complemented by necessary facilities such as schools, mosques, hospitals etc. In addition to this, 2 resorts and a yacht marina will be developed in the surrounding area in order to create job opportunities for those living in the city.

In carrying out work on the project, the Government and the contractor will be very cautious about anything that could potentially harm the aquatic life, the environment and tourism and will not hurt or touch the coral reefs and coral beds that surround neither the island nor the other marine life. Moreover, it is being developed in a manner where the city will run fully on renewable energy. 

(Photo: MoT)