AGP Executive Report

World Ocean Day, Maldives: NH Maldives Kuda Rah marked June 8 with a lagoon clean-up and guest-led coral planting, using rescued coral fragments to rebuild a local regeneration garden. Marine education: Milaidhoo welcomed students from Kudarikilu School for lagoon learning and hands-on conservation in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Reef restoration push: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a new coral planting initiative as part of Ocean Week and World Environment Day, inviting guests to snorkel and support its Adopt a Coral programme. Turtle conservation: Six Senses Kanuhura renewed its title sponsorship of the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2026, backing a community outreach effort led by Naifaru Juvenile and the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre. Ocean economy: Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource mapping are key to diversifying the Maldivian economy, while climate impacts are already affecting fish stocks. Tourism finance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its 2025 AGM, alongside tourism growth figures. Diplomacy: President Muizzu received new Netherlands and France ambassadors, with both talks highlighting climate resilience, marine conservation and investment cooperation.

Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu welcomed the Netherlands’ new non-resident ambassador, Wiebe Jakob de Boer, and discussed infrastructure development, climate resilience, investment and human rights—reaffirming ties since 1979. Diplomacy & Marine Conservation: Muizzu also received France’s new non-resident ambassador, Rémi Lambert, with talks on tourism, maritime cooperation, marine conservation, climate change and regional security. Ocean Economy: Marking World Oceans Day, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said the Maldives is pushing ocean research to unlock new economic opportunities, protect ecosystems and respond to climate-driven impacts on fish stocks. Reef Restoration in Action: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a coral-planting initiative on World Environment Day, with guest snorkelling and its Adopt a Coral programme supporting reef recovery. Turtle Conservation Spotlight: Six Senses Kanuhura renewed its title sponsorship of the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2026, backing a major community outreach effort led by Naifaru Juvenile and AMC. Funding for Protection: The Maldives Green Fund will add $454,000 annually for environmental protection and conservation, including protected areas, wildlife management, research and public awareness. Regional Conservation Push: South Asia pangolin experts gathered in Kathmandu to build a 25-year shared action plan against poaching and habitat loss. Media & Accountability: Minivan News relaunched as the Maldives Independent, betting on investigative journalism to rebuild its public-interest reporting footprint.

World Environment Day, Maldives funding: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced MVR 7 million and an additional USD 454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection, backing protected areas, wildlife conservation, research, public awareness, and capacity-building. Ocean protection on the ground: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a coral planting initiative on World Environment Day, renewing its coral planting licence and inviting guests to help restore reefs through its Adopt a Coral programme. Reef milestone: Anantara Maldives marked the planting of its 10,000th baby coral, with marine biologist Dr Oriana Migliaccio leading the effort. Marine economy push: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource identification are key to diversifying the Maldivian economy, while climate change is already hitting fish stocks. Global climate diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, seen as a boost for small-island climate and development influence. Regional conservation spotlight: South Asia gathered in Kathmandu for a pangolin conservation event, aiming for a shared 25-year action plan across the region.

World Environment Day Funding: Maldives President Muizzu announced an extra MVR 7 million annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection, including protected areas, wildlife conservation, research, public awareness, and capacity-building. Coral Restoration in Focus: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a coral planting initiative on World Environment Day, renewing coral planting licences and inviting guests to help via its Adopt a Coral programme. Reef Milestone: Anantara Maldives’ Dr Oriana Migliaccio oversaw the 10,000th baby coral planting at its resorts, highlighting hands-on marine conservation. Global Climate Voice: The Maldives won its first-ever UN ECOSOC seat for 2027–2029, with officials saying it strengthens advocacy for small island states facing climate and economic pressure. Tourism Season Shift: Grand Park Kodhipparu says summer is becoming the Maldives’ “hidden luxury” season, driven by wellness, marine encounters, and slower, more meaningful stays. Luxury Meets Wellness: Soneva unveiled its evolution from “Barefoot Luxury” to Bare Luxury, aiming for quieter, more human travel grounded in purpose and connection.

Coral Restoration: Anantara marks its 25th year with Dr Oriana Migliaccio overseeing the planting of the 10,000th baby coral at Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu—reef recovery led by a resident marine biologist. Climate Funding: On World Environment Day, President Muizzu announced an extra MVR 7 million (about US$454,000) annually from the Maldives Green Fund for protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness and capacity-building. Food Safety: The President called for stronger food safety systems, pushing new regulations under the Food Safety Act, tighter border controls, and better monitoring and testing. UN Climate Diplomacy: Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with officials saying it boosts the voice of vulnerable small island states on climate and development. Marine Futures: A study warns mangrove forests may lose carbon storage as sea levels rise, with some areas potentially shifting from absorbing to emitting carbon. Zero-Emissions Transport: Navier plans to bring 100 zero-emissions vessels to the Maldives, starting with five in 2026, aiming to connect airports, resorts and islands.

Food Safety Push: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu urged stronger, data-driven food safety systems and collective action, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act, tighter border controls, and better monitoring and testing capacity. Green Fund Boost: On World Environment Day, the Maldives Green Fund will receive an extra US$454,000 annually (and MVR 7 million annually) to back protected areas, wildlife conservation, environmental research, public awareness, and school/civil society projects. UN Climate Diplomacy Win: The Maldives secured its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with officials saying it will help the country better represent small island priorities on climate and development. Mangroves Under Threat: A new study warns sea level rise could push mangroves beyond their limits, shrinking habitat and potentially turning some forests from carbon sinks into carbon sources. Sustainable Shipping Plan: Navier says it will bring 100 zero-emissions hydrofoil boats to the Maldives, starting with five in 2026, aiming to connect airports, resorts, private villas, and local islands with a “sustainable maritime corridor.” Marine Tourism Spotlight: The Standard, Maldives rolled out a June programme tied to manta ray season, mixing plant-based and zero-waste dining with tree planting and ocean-focused conservation activities.

Environment Funding: President Muizzu announced an extra USD 454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund (plus existing budget) to back protected areas, wildlife, environmental research, public awareness, capacity-building, and school/civil society projects—marking World Environment Day. Mangroves Under Pressure: A new study warns that rising seas could push mangrove forests past their limits, shrinking habitat and even turning some areas from carbon sinks into carbon sources. UN Climate Voice: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with officials linking the win to long-running advocacy on climate risk and small-island development. Marine & Nature Tourism: Resorts keep leaning into conservation-led guest experiences, from mangrove-and-ocean-themed programming to after-dark stargazing/noctourism and new marine-focused offerings. Sustainable Transport Push: Navier says it will bring 100 zero-emissions vessels to the Maldives, starting with five in 2026, aiming to connect airports, resorts, villas, and local islands. Resort Updates: Amilla Maldives launched a pottery and ceramic studio with The Clay Studio, adding hands-on local culture to guest stays.

Eco-Industry Push: The EU-backed Green Recovery Facility has launched an Eco-Industrial Park capacity-building drive in Sri Lanka, bringing together over 1,100 policymakers, park operators, tenant industries and nearby communities to cut waste and boost resource-efficient, environmentally sustainable production. Maldives Dive Safety: Maldives authorities are investigating the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave, including whether they descended too far beyond expectations while researching soft corals at Devana Kandu. Clean Water Transport: Navier and JIH Global plan to bring 100 zero-emissions hydrofoil vessels to the Maldives, starting with five boats in 2026, aiming to connect airports, resorts and islands with a lower-carbon maritime network. Ocean-First Tourism: The Standard, Maldives rolls out a June programme tied to manta ray season, pairing World Environment Day and World Ocean Day activities with plant-based, zero-waste dining and tree planting. Child Online Safety: President Muizzu says the Maldives will ban children under 16 from certain social media platforms within a year after consultations, targeting cyberbullying and grooming risks. UN Spotlight for Maldives: The Maldives was elected unanimously Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, reinforcing its push for sustainable development priorities for small island states.

Sustainable Shipping: Navier and JIH Global Investment have signed a deal to bring 100 zero-emissions hydrofoil boats to the Maldives, starting with five in 2026, aiming to link airports, resorts, private villas and local islands with a “sustainable maritime corridor.” Diving Safety: Maldives authorities are investigating the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave, including whether they descended deeper than expected at the Devana Kandu soft-coral site—described as the deadliest diving incident in the country’s history. Tourism Policy: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Maldives will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms to curb cyberbullying and grooming, with consultations and a target rollout within a year. Marine & Nature Culture: A Maldivian artist, Raya Mansoor, has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026, with her work previously drawing on marine life and island environments. Global Spotlight: The Maldives was elected unanimously Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, with Hussain Azhaan Mohamed Hussain representing the country. After-Dark Maldives: Resorts are leaning into noctotourism and stargazing experiences, including moonlit adventures at Gili Lankanfushi and a new astronomy-led programme at Le Méridien Maldives.

Cave Tragedy Update: An animation recreates the final moments of five Italian divers lost in a Maldives cave near Alimathaa Island, with recovery crews later finding the team in near-zero visibility passages—while the operation also cost the life of a Maldivian rescuer from decompression sickness. UN Climate & Development Diplomacy: The Maldives was elected unanimously as Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, a role tied to sustainable development and growth priorities for Small Island Developing States. Child Online Safety: President Muizzu announced plans to ban children under 16 from certain social media platforms within a year, aiming to curb cyberbullying and online grooming. Marine Conservation in Resorts: Eri Maldives rolled out month-long ocean awareness programming, including reef, sea turtle and shark activities, keeping stewardship as a steady guest experience. Tourism & Nature Policy Signals: Maldives-linked tourism coverage also highlights growing focus on sustainability—like eco-industrial park models and regenerative tourism approaches—showing how environment goals are increasingly shaping regional development.

Child Safety & Digital Policy: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Maldives will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, targeting apps seen as risky for cyberbullying and online grooming, with a regulatory framework to be finalized after public consultations and a rollout planned within a year. Marine Conservation & Tourism: Eri Maldives is running a full month of ocean-focused programming (from Reef Awareness Day on 1 June through World Sea Turtle Day on 16 June), including snorkelling safaris, turtle search activities, and later shark awareness events. Adventure & Nature-Based Travel: Raaraa Pro 2026, the Maldives’ top kiteboarding competition, kicked off on 1 June in Dhiffushi, blending racing with freestyle events and community activities to spotlight island watersports. Ocean Pollution Watch: A major oil spill near Iran’s Kharg Island has blackened beaches and threatens long-lasting damage in the semi-enclosed Arabian Gulf, raising alarms about aging infrastructure and conflict-linked environmental risks. Local Creative Spotlight: Maldivian artist Raya Mansoor was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026, with earlier work drawing on marine and island themes.

Child Safety Online: President Muizzu says the Maldives will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, targeting apps seen as risky for cyberbullying and grooming, with a regulatory framework to be finalized after public consultations and a rollout within a year. Sustainable Industry: Sri Lanka is pushing EU-backed eco-industrial parks to cut waste, share resources, and meet tougher environmental standards—aiming to attract investment into greener manufacturing zones. Marine Conservation in Resorts: Eri Maldives is running a full month of ocean-focused programming from 1 June to mid-July, including Reef Awareness Day, World Oceans Day, Sea Turtle Day, and Shark Awareness activities. Food Waste Cuts: Six Senses has joined UNEP/UN Tourism’s Recipe of Change to help halve food waste by 2030, sharing practical steps with guests and industry partners. Renewables Push: AirPlus Renewables plans to deploy its EDGEWIND Tech turbine (XEVA) designed to generate power closer to where it’s used, with planned deployments including the Maldives. Climate Risk Watch: New reporting highlights Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier as a major sea-level threat, with scientists warning of wider knock-on impacts if ice shelves destabilize.

Maldives Social Safety: President Mohamed Muizzu says the government will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, aiming to curb cyberbullying and online grooming, with a framework and rollout planned within a year after consultations. Ocean & Reef Stewardship: Eri Maldives is running a full month of ocean awareness from 1 June to mid-July, including Reef Guardians snorkelling, World Oceans Day activities, and a World Sea Turtle Day “Turtle Search Snorkel” focused on turtle ecology and conservation. Marine Life Tourism: A new guide highlights where to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, naming Ari Atoll in the Maldives as a patient snorkeller’s spot for turtle sightings. Energy & Environment Risk: A major oil spill near Iran’s Kharg Island has blackened beaches and reportedly contaminated tens of thousands of square kilometres, raising fears of long-lasting damage in the semi-enclosed Arabian Gulf. Climate Threat: Scientists warn Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier could trigger major sea-level impacts, with knock-on effects that could worsen flooding risk for coastal communities worldwide. Tourism Policy & Sustainability: Six Senses joined UNEP/UN Tourism’s Recipe of Change to help halve food waste by 2030, pushing practical waste-cutting across its Maldives and global properties.