Environment Ministry Begins Workshop to Review National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The Ministry of Environment has launched a workshop to review the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The initiative, which commenced today, aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts across the Maldives.

The NBSAP, updated every decade, supports the nation’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Maldives became one of the first countries to ratify the CBD. They signed the agreement on 12th June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro and ratified it on 28th October the same year.

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At the opening of the Inception Workshop for the revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan, Minister @Thoriqibrahim highlighted the need for a whole of government approach in implementing biodiversity targets. pic.twitter.com/T3cr6SYh9a— Min. of Climate Change, Environment and Energy (@MoEnvmv) November 27, 2024

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted biodiversity loss as a critical global challenge. He underscored the necessity of setting robust targets to protect biodiversity, stressing that the Maldives’ natural environment—supported by its lagoons and reefs—are vital to the nation’s sustainability and economy.

Minister Ibrahim also emphasised the need for adequate human, technical, and financial resources to meet the strategy’s targets for the next decade. He noted that these elements would be crucial for effectively launching and implementing the revised NBSAP, which is planned for release next year.

During the workshop, stakeholders discussed draft objectives for the NBSAP.