Biodiversity under threat
The islands are home to exceptional marine biodiversity, which attracts tourists from around the world and provides food for humans. However, this biodiversity is threatened by human activities. Urbanization has led to the fragmentation and degradation of natural environments. Overfishing of reef species - mainly for tourists and consumers abroad - is another threat. Climate change contributes to ocean acidification, which weakens corals and the entire food chain. Pollution is also a source of biodiversity erosion. In order to preserve ecosystems and raise awareness among the population, the country has set up nature reserves and marine protected areas.The Baa, Fuvahmulah and Adduatolls, designated as biosphere reserves by UNESCO, are among them. Some resorts have adopted an "eco-tourism" approach. Preserving life also involves simple gestures, such as sustainable fish consumption (see the fish guide: www.wwf.fr), or the use of sun protection without chemical filters.
The burning issue of waste
The development of tourism in the Maldives has been accompanied by the generation of a significant waste stream. It is estimated that each tourist produces 7.2 kg per day compared to 2.8 kg for a Malé resident. The country has chosen to centralize all its waste on the island of Thilafushi. On site, metals, plastic packaging and paper are collected before being sent to India, while other waste (including batteries and other hazardous waste) is buried or burned in the open air. The people in charge of sorting are often Bangladeshi workers, exposed to toxic fumes, working and living in precarious conditions. Because the least polluting waste is the one that is not produced, a waste reduction approach at the source is the best prevention (see: www.zerowastefrance.org). Visitors to the archipelago are advised to take their hazardous waste home with them so that it can be treated in the appropriate channels and not contribute to contaminating the water, air and soil of the Maldives.
Facing climate change
In order to raise awareness of the climate situation in the Maldives, former President Mohamed Nasheed held a ministerial meeting in 2009... several meters underwater. He also committed his country to an energy transition. The objective currently set by the country is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 (notably through the development of renewable energies). In terms of climate adaptation, the country has artificially extended the island of Hulhumalé, and set up dykes. Restoring mangroves and coral reefs and protecting water production and supply are ongoing research topics. The IPCC report, published in August 2021, leaves no doubt as to the human responsibility for climate change and the need for urgent and coordinated action to contain the rise in global temperatures below 2°C. The Maldivians, who contribute little to greenhouse gas emissions, could be among the first climate refugees. Indeed, at the current rate of warming, rising sea levels could submerge the territory by the end of the century.
