In a concerted effort to safeguard the Maldives' marine ecosystems, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has thrown its full support behind the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proactive measures to combat the devastating effects of the ongoing mass coral bleaching event.

The EPA's decisive action, as outlined in its recent press release dated May 9, 2024, involves the implementation of stringent measures aimed at mitigating the detrimental impacts of coral bleaching. These measures include an immediate suspension of all major coastal development projects and activities until June 10, 2024.

Among the activities temporarily halted are land reclamation, dredging, beach nourishment, sand pumping, installation of pipelines and cables on reefs, and construction of bund walls. By suspending these activities, the EPA aims to minimize disturbances to fragile coral ecosystems and facilitate their natural recovery processes.

In response to the EPA's directives, MATI is calling upon all its members and stakeholders within the tourism industry to wholeheartedly cooperate and comply with the prescribed mitigation measures. Recognizing the severity of the current coral bleaching event, experts have identified it as one of the most severe on record, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action.

The Maldives, renowned for its breathtaking coral reefs and marine biodiversity, attracts millions of tourists annually, making tourism a vital component of the nation's economy. However, the escalating threat of coral bleaching poses a significant risk to both marine biodiversity and the tourism industry, highlighting the urgency of collaborative efforts to address this pressing issue.

As the Maldives continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, including rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, proactive measures such as those implemented by the EPA are essential for safeguarding the resilience and vitality of its marine ecosystems.