Ministry of Finance had revealed that USD4.8 million was utilised from the Green Fund in January 2023 to fund 47 projects. The amount is a 42.2% decrease compared to December 2022.
The latest Green Fund Report published by the finance ministry shows that the Green Fund was utilised to fund projects such as establishing coastal protection, water supply, waste management, and sewerage systems in various parts of the country. The report shows the biggest contribution in January was made to develop water supply and waste management projects.
The Green Fund received USD6.5 million in January, including USD6.4 million from resorts, guesthouses, and hotels, USD116,731 from liveaboards, and USD137 from homestay facilities. In addition, USD2.3 million was collected as Green Tax from Kaafu Atoll, including USD2.2 million from resorts and USD149,156 from guesthouses.
The Green Fund was introduced in 2016 with the aim of tackling environmental issues in the Maldives as per the Tourism Act of the Maldives. As such, USD6 is charged as Green Tax per tourist for each day they spend at a resort or a hotel in the Maldives, and USD3 is charged as Green Tax per tourist for each day they stay at a guesthouse.