The Maldives is seeking urgent international assistance to adapt to climate change, Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development of the Maldives, said during the special session titled “Inclusive Urban Resilience, Blue Economy and Sustainable Tourism in Small Island Developing States” held within the framework of WUF13, APA-Economics reports.
The minister stated that the Maldives consists of 1,200 islands, 187 of which are inhabited. According to the constitution, essential services must be provided on all inhabited islands, which creates a major financial burden.
Abdulla Muththalib noted that one of the most serious challenges facing the country is coastal erosion, and protecting the islands requires significant expenditure.
According to him, without urgent support from international partners, it will be difficult to adapt to climate change and ensure the economic sustainability of the islands.
The minister added that concentrating the population on a smaller number of islands is an important adaptation measure for the Maldives, and international donors should provide financial support in this direction.
