Biosphere reserve based on public proposal, minister says
President Mohammed Muizzu has decided to make 33% of the energy generated in Maldives to come from renewable sources.
The government has decided to establish three more biosphere reserves in Maldives. The locations will be decided after considering the proposals submitted by the people, Environment Minister Thorig Ibrahim said.
The minister said this in an exclusive interview with Atoll Times. He said the government of President Mohammed Muizzu will do things after consulting the relevant stakeholders unlike other governments.
So far, three biosphere reserves have been established in Maldives. They are:
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Baa atoll Biosphere Reserve
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Addu Biosphere Reserve
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Fuvahmulah Biosphere Reserve
"We believe that the biosphere reserve should be a place that works very closely with the people, is approved by the people and is accessible to the people," he said.
Therefore, Thorig said, the atolls and areas to be designated as biosphere reserves in this government will be opened to the atolls that have not yet established biosphere reserves.
“We intend to select the best proposal from the people based on the proposals coming from the atolls,” he said.
In addition to establishing biosphere reserves in three atolls, Minister Thorig added:
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The biggest task in the field of climate change is to mitigate the disasters and damage caused by climate change
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To advocate for Maldives in the outside world to mitigate climate change and find a solution to the damage caused by it
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To provide assistance to the people with the assistance received from the funds of foreign associations; these include solving the problem of erosion, increasing renewable energy, increasing food security and improving infrastructure
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Work with the people to protect the environment, raise awareness and provide assistance to do what can be done at the island level
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President Muizzu's promise to develop a nature park in every atoll of Maldives
"These things have not been done by previous governments. We have promised to do them," Thorig, who was also the Environment Minister in former President Abdullah Yameen's government, said.
In addition, the Minister said that President Mohammed Muizzu has decided to make 33% of the energy generated in Maldives to come from renewable sources within the next five years.
"Unlike the presidents of other governments, we have made such a big pledge. This will give a boost to our economy and our power security," Thorig said.
