Shiyam responds to Shauna, economic expansion a possibility

Minister of Fisheries & Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam responded to former Environment Minister Aishath Shauna regarding her comment yesterday 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.

In connection to her comments, Fisheries Minister Shiyam said that "President Muizzu's strategic plan to diversify the Maldivian economy beyond tourism and fisheries represents a visionary and pragmatic step toward long-term resilience." 

As per Shiyam, as Maldives is currently reliant on both those industries, global issues affect the nation quite strongly. He also said that economic expansion is a means to reduce such risks, with oil, gas and mineral exploration within the SEZ zone being a sustainable route to stabilize the economy.

Shiyam stated that Maldives has one of the biggest Exclusive Economic Zones, but the country is only utilizing it for tuna fisheries.

He went on to say that new paths can be opened by forging partnerships with capable investors who align with Maldives' interests by exploring Maldivian oceans and utilizing its resources. 

"Carefully exploring and developing this vast marine potential opens new avenues for sustainable resource use," said Shiyam.

As Maldives is a nation that is vulnerable to climate change, Shiyam stated that efforts to explore the waters will move forward with tourism. He also stated that proper environmental impact assessments and research will be conducted, with marine life being protected and sustained.

The minister said that job opportunities from industries such as Ocean Studies, Underwater Engineering and Environmental Science will be facilitated with the expansion of the Maldivian economy, with Maldivians getting the opportunity to receive experience in such sectors.

Even though research into finding oil in Maldives was done during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration, the work was not successful. However, it is unknown whether work was done to find minerals in Maldives.