Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar, has called for development initiatives in the Maldives to be pursued in a manner that safeguards the distinct identity, heritage and environmental character of individual islands.
Speaking at a special ceremony in Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll, honouring long-standing contributors to the island’s development, the minister emphasised that decentralised governance places a responsibility on authorities to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of erasing an island’s unique features.
He noted that development undertaken at island level must be guided by an approach that protects historical, cultural and social roots, describing these elements as integral to the identity and resilience of local communities.
Referring to nationwide infrastructure projects, including road development and asphalt paving, the minister stressed that such initiatives must be implemented with due regard for the islands’ fragile environmental ecosystems. Development, he said, should be carefully calibrated to avoid undermining natural landscapes and biodiversity.
Minister Adam Shareef Umar also underscored the importance of decentralised governance in driving sustainable island development, highlighting the need for close collaboration among residents, island councils and other relevant stakeholders. A participatory and inclusive approach, he added, is essential to ensuring that development efforts are both effective and widely supported.
In concluding his remarks, the minister outlined several projects currently being implemented across different islands, noting that infrastructure development—particularly road construction—varies according to each island’s specific needs and the imperative to preserve its natural beauty.
The ceremony, held in Dharavandhoo, was organised to recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the island’s development across various sectors. The Dharavandhoo Council described the event as an important initiative to acknowledge community service and to reinforce social cohesion within the island.