News stories from the local side of life that matter to us

Maldives Takes a Green Leap: Ban on Small Plastic Water Bottles Set for December 1st

Great to receive this heads-up from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology! Single use plastic water bottles are on there way out! From December 1st, 2023 the import and manufacture of bottles smaller than 1 litre will be prohibited. This move is part of the comprehensive ban on single-use plastics in the Maldives and is one of a number of positive changes that contribute to a more sustainable Maldives!

Noonu's Homeward Bound: The Voyage of an Injured Turtle from Rehabilitation to the Open Seas

Who can't resist a feel good story and it's doubly positive as it involves our friends at Olive Ridley Project. Noonu, an injured Olive Ridley turtle, who went through some tough times, is now making an incredible comeback, all thanks to the Reefscapers at 四季酒店 . It's seriously heartwarming to see how much they are dedicated to helping these turtles, and reading about Noonu's recovery is like watching a feel-good movie. They've helped over 460 turtles in the last ten years - it's like a sea turtle superhero team! It’s not just about the turtles; they're doing all sorts of cool stuff for marine conservation. They're not just talking about it but actively involving the community, raising awareness in schools and everything. Makes you feel hopeful about the future of our oceans, you know?

Government Safeguards Nelivaru and Huraafaru Lagoons for Manta Rays

The good news keeps coming! The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology have taken a further step in protecting local manta ray populations in Baa Atoll – they've now designated Nelivaru and Huraafaru lagoons as protected areas. In an updated Environmental Protection and Conservation Act, additional specific rules have been laid out that include, no messing with eggs, being kind to our fauna, and putting the brakes on land and lagoon reclamation. They are also allowing controlled public access and eco-friendly tourism during certain times. It's like finding that perfect balance between conservation and community involvement.

Environmental Protection Agency Urges Public to Safeguard Migratory Birds in the Maldives

We are super lucky in the Maldives to be able to encounter the seasonal visit of migratory birds - even flamingoes! This week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested the public to respect and not disturb migratory birds, emphasizing the Maldives' significance as a wintering ground for many species on the Central Asian Flyway.

Maldives Asserts Independence in Addressing Climate Change

Given our current focus on Climate Change and the actions we can take as a business, this was an interesting article to read. Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology, Aminath Shauna, really stood out in her recent interview with Channel News Asia. She straight-up said that the Maldives isn't sitting around waiting for the world to fix climate change for them. The Maldives, despite contributing only 0.003% to global emissions, is facing some serious climate change impacts such as flooding and island erosion. What also struck us was the statement that the government is allocating domestic revenue and budget, investing in green initiatives and adaptation strategies. The Maldives aims to achieve a net-zero target by 2030 through a strategic shift towards renewable energy and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels. This we fear is very ambitious, but better to be ambitious as opposed to not committing at all.

Eight State-Owned Companies to Be Headed by Women in Incoming Administration

As a company who is also building equality into our team, it was great to read that the President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently announced that he is shaking things up in the government to boost female representation! In a recent speech at the Social Centre, he spilled the beans about appointing women as managing directors for eight state-owned companies. Dr. Muizzu declared that it's the highest number of women leading state-owned companies in any government. More women are needed in the political arena, and he is urging them to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections. It's refreshing to see such a proactive stance towards achieving a more balanced representation.

Thank you for taking the time to read our news round up, we hope it provided you an insight to our world.

The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story. - Michael Margolis