Maldives Signs Agreement to Enhance Climate and Energy Data Accuracy
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA), and the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) have signed an agreement aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of climate change and energy data in the Maldives.
The signing ceremony featured Minister Thoriq of the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, and Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development Ali Haider Ahmed representing the MBS.
We signed an MOU with @statsmaldives & @URAGovMv to enhance energy data collection for GHG reporting to @UNFCCC. This initiative adds energy data to tourism statistics survey. MOU signed by @Thoriqibrahim for MCCEE & URA, and @min_mhuld of @MHLUDmv for @statsmaldives pic.twitter.com/iDsUnCb2oj— Min. of Climate Change, Environment and Energy (@MoEnvmv) November 6, 2024
In his remarks, Minister Thoriq emphasised the importance of establishing a robust data system, describing the agreement as a significant step towards a transparent, accountable, and comprehensive reporting framework. He noted that this initiative aligns with the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which obliges countries to provide accurate, consistent, and transparent data to support climate mitigation and adaptation objectives.
The agreement seeks to enhance greenhouse gas reporting by fostering collaboration between the Ministry, MBS, and URA, thereby improving the accuracy of energy data collection. This data is essential for meeting climate transparency commitments under both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
The agreement will also assist the MBS in its ongoing tourism sector study by incorporating energy data from resorts to offer a more detailed view of energy usage in this industry. Technical support will be provided to update survey tools and ensure data reliability.
This initiative is part of the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) Maldives project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment).