Environment Minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan says the Covid-19 pandemic is yet another reminder of how dependent the country is on its environment.
He made the comments in commemoration of World Environment Day celebrated today.
In his statement, the Minister said that as a coral atoll nation in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is closely interconnected with nature.
He said that for the country’s economic development and sustenance, it heavily depends on the natural resources and services that are derived from the coral reefs and ocean.
Dr. Hussain said that tourism and fisheries, which is the mainstay of the economy, are contingent upon the viability of marine biodiversity. He highlighted that the country relies on biodiversity and ocean services for its food security, clean water, reduced beach erosion, sand formation, and protection from natural disasters.
The Minister went on to say that the country’s environment is of immense value to the nation and hence must ensure all policies take into account the carrying capacity of its environment, manage the resources effectively and support sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Hussian also said that it is up to individuals, to take ownership of their actions and collectively contribute to the conservation of the island ecosystem. He highlighted that the gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic is yet another reminder of how dependent the country is on its environment. He urged the nation to take the opportunity to conserve, protect, and build better in harmony with nature.
