Special Envoy for Climate Change Sabra Ibrahim Nooruddin has said there are still challenges in implementing environmentally friendly approaches in development projects conducted in the Maldives. She made the remarks at the launch of the 6th issue of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)'s Island Life Magazine.
Speaking at the ceremony, Special Envoy Sabra said the future of the Maldives depends on environmental protection and it is important to make changes at a national level. She said the protection of the natural environment of the country is directly linked to the future existence of Maldives. However, there are still challenges in relying on environmentally friendly methods in the implementation of major development projects, she added.
Giving examples from the port projects being developed in rural areas, Sabra said that ports should be developed in such a way as to circulate the sand around the island communities. She said it is not being practiced as it is costly and the method does not get the approval of the residents either. She stated that research is proving a reality that cannot be ignored, and that the government is raising its voice on environmental issues internationally because it is directly related to the future of the people.
In an interview with PSM News after the ceremony, Resident Representative of the UNDP for the Maldives Enrico Gaveglia said the magazine is an important link between the Maldives and tourists. Gaveglia noted there are few such documents available and, therefore, such magazines are important for the tourism market. The magazine is an annual publication to provide information on development challenges and programmes implemented by UNDP in the Maldives.
During the ceremony, an agreement was signed between the airlines operating in the country and the UNDP on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).