Loss of even small amounts of land threatens Maldives' sovereignty, President Muizzu says

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has warned that the loss of even a small amount of Maldivian territory due to rising sea levels would undermine the country's sovereignty, describing climate change as a threat to the nation's survival.

Speaking at a session organised by the United Nations Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) on the sidelines of the COP31 climate conference in Türkiye, President Muizzu said sea-level rise posed a threat not only to the Maldives' development but also to its existence as a nation.

"Our islands are not merely land. They represent our homes, our history and our identity. Losing even a small part of that land would diminish our sovereignty, our traditions and our future," the President said.

He emphasised that protecting the right of Maldivians to continue living on their islands remained a priority for the government.

The session focused on the challenges posed by rising sea levels and the implications for communities facing climate-related displacement.

During his address, President Muizzu outlined measures being pursued by the Maldives to strengthen its resilience to climate change.

He said the government was prioritising the protection of coral reefs, lagoons and coastlines, recognising their role in protecting islands from environmental threats.

The President also highlighted the need to improve access to technical expertise, information and financial assistance for island communities undertaking climate adaptation measures.

He cited Hulhumalé as an example of the country's investment in climate resilience, noting that the reclaimed island had been developed at an elevated level to provide protection against rising sea levels.

President Muizzu also referred to the Ras Malé development project, describing it as a low-carbon eco-city that would generate electricity from renewable energy sources.

He said Ras Malé was being developed on reclaimed land at an elevation exceeding projected future sea levels.

The President reiterated his vision of transforming the Maldives into a fully developed nation by 2040, with climate resilience integrated into the country's development priorities.

He said climate adaptation should form part of long-term development planning rather than being treated solely as a response to environmental disasters.

President Muizzu also stressed the importance of incorporating climate mobility into national and international strategies addressing climate change.

He called for adequate, sustainable and accessible climate financing to help vulnerable countries respond to the challenges of rising sea levels and climate-related displacement.

The President described such financial assistance as a matter of climate justice rather than charity.

Concluding his address, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to protecting its islands so that future generations could continue living on their ancestral land, building their lives and pursuing opportunities for development.