The Maldives Perspective

As the Maldives participate in the UN Climate Conference COP28, their precarious position as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the face of climate change becomes increasingly evident. Recognized as a 'climate change hotspot,' the Maldives confront an existential crisis due to imminent climate-related risks, particularly the threat of submersion under rising sea levels. This vulnerability was dramatically underscored by former President Mohamed Nasheed's underwater cabinet meeting in 2009, a vivid appeal for global attention to their plight. Nearly fifteen years after this symbolic gesture, the Maldives, like other SIDS, continue to strive for international recognition of their situation. The Maldives' economy heavily relies on climate-sensitive sectors like tourism and fisheries, contributing 40 percent to the GDP and employing 70 percent of the population. The predicted sea-level rise of 0.5-0.8 meters by 2100 poses a dire threat to the nation's land area, economy, and social fabric. The impacts of climate change are far-reaching, affecting primary, secondary, and tertiary economic sectors, leading to socio-economic and cultural disruptions. The proximity of tourism and fisheries infrastructure to the coast makes them particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, cyclones, and flooding. This vulnerability extends to trade and transportation infrastructures, heightening the risk of GDP loss, job shortages, and high reconstruction costs. Food security is another concern, with unpredictable rainfall, flooding, and saltwater intrusion threatening domestic crop production and increasing reliance on food imports. Women, primarily involved in subsistence crop cultivation, face marginalization due to crop losses. Furthermore, fluctuations in tuna populations, critical for foreign exchange, exacerbate economic instability. The government's revenue and ability to create domestic jobs are jeopardized by the need for aid and subsidies. The tourism-centric atolls, home to a significant portion of the population and the nation's poor, face potential employment losses, straining state resources already burdened by a high dependency ratio. Additionally, the low level of higher secondary education exacerbates multidimensional poverty and resource pressure. Climate change also threatens revenue from major infrastructure projects like the Greater Malé Connectivity Project and resort development, impacting the country's debt repayment capacity and future investments. Insurance for such projects in risk-prone areas becomes questionable. Despite these challenges, adaptation and mitigation measures can minimize climate change impacts. The tourism industry is adopting measures to protect coral reefs and biodiversity, as seen in the UNESCO declaration of Baa Atoll as a biosphere reserve. The Maldives has implemented fishing policies to sustain fish stocks and is embracing organic farming and climate-resistant agricultural practices.

However, a gap exists between policy and implementation, highlighting the need for an integrated approach involving international support and best practices. This approach should include cross-country collaborations, private sector incentives, environmental diplomacy, community participation, and the integration of climate adaptation plans with national development. The recent UN resolution calling on the International Court of Justice for a legal advisory on climate change is a hopeful development for SIDS like the Maldives. This advisory could set a precedent, bolstering the Maldives' and other small island nations' efforts to garner international support and cooperation in their fight against climate change.