Protecting Nature, Preserving Livelihoods: A Stand Against Unsustainable Tourism at COP16 Mayor's Forum

At the Mayor’s Forum during COP16, our President Mohamed Basheer delivered a speech, shedding light on the pressing issues faced by the Maldivian islands and advocating for sustainable, community-focused solutions. Our address emphasized the need for transparent governance, accountable financial frameworks, and empowering local councils to spearhead conservation and development efforts. We brought attention to the concerning trend of leasing islands in the Maldives for ultra-luxury tourism development. Of the 72 islands in the Noonu Atoll, 25 have already been leased for 100 years, often at the cost of significant environmental degradation. Natural ecosystems, such as mangroves essential buffers against storm surges are being destroyed as a result of these projects. He highlighted how each leased island disrupts local livelihoods by removing access to fishing grounds, farmland, and coral reefs, which are vital to the well-being of the community.

Currently, we are engaged in a legal battle with the central government to prevent further leasing of islands, particularly mangrove islands, which are critical for local ecosystems and traditional ways of life.

Maldives faces escalating environmental challenges, including island erosion, coastal degradation, and harmful projects like large-scale reclamation, which are often funded internationally. Mangrove loss, freshwater pollution, and soil degradation further exacerbate these issues, leaving local communities at heightened risk. We also noted the heavy reliance on imports due to insufficient agricultural production, which intensifies the country’s vulnerability. Also voiced concern over the misallocation of global funds, which are often directed toward unsustainable infrastructure projects, such as road building, instead of effective environmental and community-focused initiatives.

Call for Collaborative and Transparent Governance

We outlined the hurdles posed by centralized governance, which limits the authority of local councils and restricts their ability to implement crucial conservation efforts, such as mangrove restoration and coastal management. He argued for a decentralized, collaborative approach, where legislative frameworks empower local councils and ensure global funding is channeled toward long-term, sustainable solutions.

To achieve a way forward, we call for:

• Transparent Governance and Accountability: Ensuring responsible allocation of resources and decision-making rooted in the well-being of communities.

• Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Expertise: Drawing on community insights while incorporating innovative scientific approaches.

• Global Financial Support for Local Solutions: Establishing financial frameworks that prioritize long-term, community-driven sustainability over short-sighted development.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

We call to action for the global community to support transparent policies, sustainable practices, and collaborative solutions to address pressing environmental challenges. By empowering local governments and respecting traditional practices, he envisions a future where progress and preservation go hand in hand, ensuring the well-being of the Maldives’ ecosystems and communities alike.