Environment

Government promises end to seasonal water shortages

The government is aiming to solve annual water shortages during the dry season in islands across the Maldives within two years, State Minister for Environment Abdul Matheen Mohamed said at a ceremony held to hand over rainwater harvesting systems to the island councils of Rasgetheemu, Angolhitheemu, and Vaadhoo in Raa atoll.

US$4.2m project launched for mangroves, coral reef protection

The environment ministry yesterday launched a US$4.2 million Climate Change Adaptation Project to establish eco-tourism facilities to manage protected mangroves and coral reefs in Fuvahmulah and Addu City and generate economic benefits for local communities.

Tidal swells not as bad as predicted

Tidal swells caused minor flooding in five islands in southern Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaal atolls and Kolhufushi Island in Meemu atoll.

Authorities on alert for tidal swells

The police and military are in a state of readiness to assist islands at risk of flooding. The authorities have advised laying sandbags to protect powerhouses, health centres, and garbage dumps, and to take foodstuffs, valuables, and electronic equipment at beachfront homes and offices further inshore.

Tidal swells may cause flooding in the Maldives next week

A king tide, caused by the coinciding of a full moon and bad weather, may cause flooding across the Maldives on September 28, 29 and 30, the department of meteorology has said.

Report warns of negative environmental impact of developing artificial beach in Malé

The development of an artificial beach in Malé’s western waterfront could cause long-term water pollution, reef slope failure, and damage the coastline, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the project has warned.

Environmental offenders named and shamed on Facebook

Frustrated by the lack of government action on environmental misconducts, an environmentalist has set up a Facebook page to name and shame those who violate environmental laws and harm protected species.

13 Maldivians caught extracting oil from sea turtles

Some 13 Maldivians were briefly detained on Tuesday for killing at least three sea turtles, a protected animal in the Maldives. They were caught in the process of extracting oil from turtles.

UN unveils development agenda for Maldives

The government and the United Nations signed the UN Development Assistance Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) yesterday, a four-year strategic programme framework to deliver results in the areas of youth and children, gender, governance, environment and climate change.

Malé under water: frequent floods demonstrate climate vulnerability

A few hours of heavy rain in Malé City on Monday morning inundated streets, snarled traffic, flooded the main hospital and caused a roof to cave in at a primary school, prompting concern over the island city’s vulnerability to and lack of preparedness for extreme weather.

Government and resorts sign zero waste declaration

The environment ministry and some 99 resorts signed a declaration to promote sustainable tourism and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Maldives at the opening ceremony of the “Sixth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific” held at the Dharubaaruge convention centre this morning.

Strong winds rip off roofs, damage farmland in the south

Strong winds and heavy rain in southern Addu City and Fuvahmulah Island uprooted trees, damaged farmland and ripped off roofs on Friday.

Government steps up shore protection efforts

The Maldives is stepping up efforts to address beach erosion this year with projects worth MVR313million (US$20million) ongoing in some 16 islands, a fraction of the number of islands that require urgent shore protection measures.

Malé hit by tidal swells

Tidal swells hit the eastern waterfront of Malé around 11:30pm last night, flooding the outer road and cafés and restaurants in the carnival area with water up to one and a half feet.

National climate change policy framework launched

The ‘Maldives National Climate Change Policy Framework’ was unveiled today, outlining strategies for achieving sustainable financing, low emission development, adaptation, capacity building and leading advocacy at climate change negotiations, and fostering sustainable development.

New study reconfirms presence of oil and gas in the Maldives

A new study has confirmed the presence of oil and gas in the Maldives, but it is not yet clear if fossil fuel extraction is economically viable, Fisheries Minister Mohamed Shainee has said.

In Maafushi, guesthouses worry erosion may drive tourists away

On Maafushi, the island that pioneered guesthouse tourism, business is booming. But today, guesthouse owners worry severe beach erosion may drive tourists away.

Whale shark sustains serious injuries from boat propellers

Piles of garbage left on Malé streets

Vendors turn Malé’s surf point into trash dump