BlueMaldives program will enhance capacity to be 'better protectors of the ocean'

The ‘NooRaajje’ or 'BlueMaldives' campaign will enhance the country’s local capacity to be “better protectors” of the ocean, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Inaugurating the ‘NooRaajje’ program, an initiative of the incumbent administration in partnership with the Blue Prosperity Coalition, on Wednesday night, the president delivered an address where he expressed confidence that the knowledge, talent and passion within the blue-prosperity partners, staff at stakeholder ministries as well as the dedication of the civil society will make the campaign, a “huge success”.

Expressing gratitude to the Blue Prosperity Coalition for making the campaign a reality, the Maldives president stressed that for Maldives, the sea is not “just” a geographic fact, but a way of life owing to the fact that 98 percent of the island nation’s national territory consists of the ocean.

Highlighting that Maldivians share a bond with the ocean, Solih noted that the ocean is a part of the country’s culture, history and traditions.

The president added that the campaign will address all activities to be conducted with the Blue Prosperity Coalition in order to enhance the country’s capacity to protect its waters, stating that the campaign’s activities will shine a spotlight on the government’s efforts to implement a Blue Economy.

Under ‘BlueMaldives’ program, the government alongside the Blue Prosperity Coalition will work with local scientists and civil society to conduct scientific investigations on the country’s sea and maritime resources which will help develop better maritime spatial planning and determine which areas to protect, in line with the government’s pledge to commit 20 percent of Maldives waters as protected areas as well as conserve marine ecosystems and wildlife.

Further in his statement, the president noted that one of the government’s major pledges is to transition into a blue economy, as it mirrors the administration’s vision for a ‘Jazeera Raajje’ translated to island nation. The vision in question ensures that the development projects do not compromise the health and beauty of the island nation’s ecosystems as well as the traditional way of life.

Under the newly initiated program, the government will use natural resources responsibly to enhance major industries like tourism and fisheries as highlighted in the government’s “Strategic Action Plan”, while exploring ways to expand the country’s economy.