Minister Thoriq: Efforts Underway to Safeguard Tourism from Climate Change

During the 29th meeting of the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Maldives’ Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, highlighted the nation's ongoing efforts to safeguard its tourism industry from the impacts of climate change. Speaking at the first-ever ministerial meeting focused on tourism and climate change, the Minister outlined the government's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change.

Minister Ibrahim stressed the adverse effects of climate change on tourism in the Maldives, particularly the loss of carbon sequestration environments such as shellfish ecosystems. He also emphasized the importance of local-level initiatives within the tourism industry to combat these challenges and protect the country’s natural resources.

In addition to these efforts, the Maldives submitted its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), fulfilling a key responsibility under the Paris Agreement. As the third small island nation to submit this report, the Maldives detailed its greenhouse gas emissions, as well as its ongoing efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The report also outlined the country’s progress towards achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and highlighted the financial and technical assistance needed to implement its climate initiatives. This submission marks an important milestone in the Maldives' commitment to climate action and global cooperation on environmental sustainability.

Following the submission, the Maldives was awarded the BTR Champion certificate in recognition of its proactive approach to addressing climate change and sharing vital information on the global stage.