An International NGO known as the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Maldivian government to preserve the country's mangroves endangered by climate change.
The organisation details the beneficial effects of mangroves and the consequences of their loss in the article titled "Maldives: Protect Mangroves From Further Loss" published on January 23rd.
While stressing the importance of mangroves due to the natural protection it provides against coastal erosion and flooding, HRW highlighted the increase in flooding reported by residents of Kulhudhuhfushi since 70% of the mangroves were reclaimed to construct an airport.
The Maldives government will be putting more islanders at risk of their lives and livelihoods from flooding if they destroy more mangroves. The Maldives is already at serious risk from the effects of climate change, and the authorities should be taking urgent steps to protect island communities facing further harmPatricia Gossman, associate Asia director of HRW
As such, the organisation notes that the Solih administration is currently considering a proposal to extract the remaining portion of the mangroves' despite pledging to adhere to the recommendations of environmental impact assessments in addition to accepting the Mangrove Action Project's offer of support for the preservation of the Kulhudhuffushi mangrove in March 2019.
“By adopting measures aimed at protecting Kulhudhuffushi’s remaining mangroves, Maldives authorities would signal a real commitment to protecting the island’s communities,”Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director of HRW
Hence, the organisation has called on the Maldives government to prioritise the preservation of Kulhudhuffushi’s remaining mangroves as these forests are the country's best natural tools against weather disasters caused by climate change.
