This decision comes as a proactive step to alleviate stress on coral reef ecosystems, which are particularly vulnerable during the bleaching window projected from March until the end of June.
The University of Queensland
In the past few weeks, the Maldives has been facing a pressing environmental challenge. Recent reports have highlighted a significant coral bleaching event, prompting urgent action from the Maldivian authorities. In response, the Environment Protection Agency of The Maldives (EPA) has announced a crucial measure aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing crisis.
In the published press by the EPA, the agency highlighted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coraf Reef Watch (CRW) has reported that the Maldives is right now facing an Alert Level 1 when it comes to coral bleaching. They further clarified that this means that the country’s reefs are at risk of reef-wide coral bleaching, and immediate measures need to be taken in order to avoid mass devastation.
Effective immediately starting from May 9th, 2024 until the 10th of June, 2024, the Maldives has implemented a suspension on all major coastal development activities. This decision comes as a proactive step to alleviate stress on coral reef ecosystems, which are particularly vulnerable during the bleaching window projected from March until the end of June, peaking in early May until early June.
EPA's directive outlines specific actions to minimize anthropogenic stress on coral reefs:
1. Suspension of Coastal Development: All major coastal development activities, as specified under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permits and Dredging & Reclamation permits, will be halted during the designated period. This includes activities such as dredging, reclamation, beach nourishment, sand pumping, and installation of pipelines and cables on the reef.
2. Work Schedule Adjustments: Projects currently underway and new EIA applications will need to adjust their schedules, refraining from conducting any activities that impact coral reef ecosystems until after June 2024.
By suspending coastal development activities, the agency is aiming to minimize cumulative stressors on coral reefs, allowing them to better cope with or recover from bleaching events. This proactive approach aligns with broader conservation efforts aimed at building resilience against future disturbances driven by climate change.
