Government May Suspend Reclamation Over El Niño Risks

The government may suspend major environmental impact projects, including land reclamation, if worsening El Niño conditions pose a serious threat to the Maldives’ environment, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef has said.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister Ali Shareef said climate forecasts indicate that the current El Niño phenomenon could continue contributing to rising global temperatures well into next year.

He said the government is closely monitoring the development of El Niño, while also assessing the possible influence of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on weather patterns in the region. The Maldives Meteorological Service is monitoring the situation on a daily basis, he added.

According to the Minister, the heightened risk of coral bleaching is among the government’s primary concerns during the current period. Coral bleaching occurs when corals become stressed by factors such as unusually high sea temperatures, causing them to expel the algae that provide them with much of their colour and energy.

The Maldives’ coral reefs are particularly important to the country’s environment and economy, supporting marine biodiversity, fisheries, tourism and providing natural protection against coastal erosion and waves.

Minister Ali Shareef recalled that the government had previously suspended reclamation activities during an earlier El Niño event due to environmental concerns. He said similar action could be considered if the current conditions deteriorate significantly.

However, he noted that suspending large-scale reclamation projects can create substantial financial implications, as the dredgers used for reclamation work incur significant operating costs each day.

The Maldives has undertaken extensive land reclamation in recent years to create additional land for housing, infrastructure and economic development. While reclamation has helped address land constraints in the country, environmental concerns have also been raised over its potential impact on coral reefs, lagoons and other marine ecosystems.

The Minister said the government will continue to closely monitor climate conditions and assess the environmental risks before deciding whether reclamation and other major projects need to be suspended.