Fuel and mineral exploration a major mistake: Shauna

Former Environment Minister Aishath Shauna has said that allowing fuel and mineral exploration in the Maldivian seabed would be a serious mistake with long-term environmental consequences.

Her comments come after amendments to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act were ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, expanding permitted activities to include fuel, gas and mineral exploration.

In a post on X, Shauna said the decision reflects a short-term mindset and poses a significant threat to the country’s environment.

“This will damage marine biodiversity. Maldives’ fisheries will be destroyed, and the value of Maldivian tourism will decline,” she said.

Shauna noted that while a study was conducted during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen to assess the possibility of finding fuel in Maldivian waters, no previous efforts have been made to explore minerals in the country. 

Under the SEZ framework, the president determines both the activities permitted within the zones and the minimum investment required. According to the resolution passed last year and reaffirmed yesterday, the minimum investment for SEZ projects excluding sustainable township development is set at USD 100 million.

For sustainable township projects, the minimum investment requirement remains USD 500 million, and work on one such project has already commenced.