President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that this administration advocates for environmental protection in a holistic manner that yields tangible results.
The first episode of the podcast launched by the government under the name "Pulse" was dedicated to the environmental sector.
In the podcast, the President noted that land reclamation is a highly 'controversial' topic among the youth and mentioned that he has been questioned about the matter as well.
The President stated that land reclamation is carried out for development purposes, but emphasized that environmental protection must go hand-in-hand with development. With that objective, while the Rasmalé reclamation project is underway to resolve the housing crisis in the Malé region, programs for coral relocation and coral planting are also being carried out simultaneously, the President said.
"Land reclamation is a very controversial issue among young people. Some youth have questioned me about it too. As I mentioned before, land reclamation is done for the purpose of development," he said.
"Environmental protection must coexist with development. Therefore, when we reclaim Rasmalé, for instance, we are running programs to propagate coral. Planting coral elsewhere."
The President stated that the government will move forward in a way that integrates development with the environment, shaping the nation's future so that the fragile ecosystem is protected and other nations would want to take the Maldives as an example.
The President further noted that while baitfish is required for fishing, development projects do impact baitfishery. Therefore, he stated that the government is conducting programs in a manner that ensures baitfishery is not lost.
President Muizzu stated that the government speaks about environmental protection in a way that delivers results, whereas previous administrations had failed to give it due attention.
"This administration talks about protecting the environment in a very practical, results-oriented, and holistic manner. Previously, that attention was not maintained. Only the development work, as one part of environmental protection, is being carried forward," he said.
He pointed out that climate change is causing severe damage to shorelines, to the extent that some houses are on the verge of collapsing into the sea. Therefore, coastal protection projects are currently underway in numerous islands, the President said.
However, he noted that due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, there are challenges in procuring some necessary materials for these projects, such as boulders, but added that efforts are being made to find solutions.
The President stated that projects for waste management and island coastal protection will be completed within the remaining two years of the government's term.
