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Maldives calls for special fund to protect biodiversity

Maldives called for the establishment of a special biodiversity fund at the 16th CBD.

Ameera Osmanagic
31 October 2024, MVT 16:50
Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim at the 16th CBD conference -- Photo: Environment Ministry
Ameera Osmanagic
31 October 2024, MVT 16:50

Maldives at today's conference for the convention on biological diversity (CBD) called for the establishment of a dedicated biodiversity fund.

Maldives' Ministry of Environment said that the 16th CBD conference concluded at Cali, Colombia today, and that it was attended by high-level officials from member countries, including Maldives.

On the sidelines of the conference, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim met with countries and individuals who provide assistance to the Maldives' environmental sector. The meetings discussed further cooperation in the field, Environment Ministry said.

The Ministry also highlighted that during the meetings at the CBD conference, Maldives advocated for the establishment of a dedicated biodiversity fund under the Convention, and a mechanism to implement the Convention and its framework sustainably.

"Such a fund would enable small island developing nations like Maldives to secure the necessary funding and resources to conserve wildlife species and environments, and strengthen implementation of the Convention," the Ministry said in a press release.

According to the Ministry, the discussions of the conference resulted in agreement among member countries on the designation and implementation of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (ABSA).

This agreement was reached following eight years of deliberations and discussions.

Maldives has now designated two ABSA areas; Baa atoll and Alif Alif Atoll's Madivaru area.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is one of the Rio Conventions. The Conference of the Parties or members states of the Convention meet every two years and aim to conserve and protect biodiversity and wildlife species.

At the conference, member states review. the implementation of the Convention and discuss requirements and actions needed to protect biodiversity on a global scale. Discussions also centre around systems to monitor wildlife conservation efforts and increase spending on biodiversity conservation.

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