Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef emphasised the need for a just climate transition to limit global warming and protect marine biodiversity, crucial for the blue economies of vulnerable states. He made these remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation, in Kunming, China.
The Vice President highlighted that the ocean has sustained the livelihoods and shaped the identity of Maldivians, as the “children of the sea” for centuries, and that fisheries and tourism are primary income sources for the Maldives. He noted that tourism and fisheries industries are heavily impacted by climate change, marine pollution, and llegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, adding that it threatens fish stocks, coastal livelihoods, and food security. He further pointed out that Maldives' traditional ethical fisheries, such as pole-and-line fishing, which ensures zero by-catch and no harm to marine habitats.
The Vice President stressed that Small Island Developing States like the Maldives bear a disproportionate climate burden despite minimal emissions. He emphasised the Maldives' efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts with limited resources. He also highlighted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's ambitious plan to scale up our climate action, his commitment to sustainable development by utilising the blue economy.
Before concluding this statement, the Vice President stated that China is a reliable partner to the Maldives, through a strong bilateral relationship, and expressed gratitude for the continued support of China for the development of Maldives.