AGP Executive Report

Rasmale’ Development: Eagle Hills hopes to sign a $20 billion project deal by November 11. Construction could begin in about a year, after environmental impact assessments and detailed designs—making those assessments crucial for the planned island destination. Sustainable Tourism: The Maldives has been nominated for the World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2026, with voting open until October 21. Cleaner Resort Power: A Hotelier Maldives forum explored floating solar in lagoons to cut resorts’ diesel use while protecting island views; one resort microgrid under development combines about 4MW of solar capacity with battery storage. Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva are supporting coral restoration in Dharavandhoo. Climate Watch: September 2026 was the world’s second-hottest September on record, while the year-to-date global average ranked second-highest.

Climate: September 2026 was the planet’s second-hottest September on record, with January–September also ranking second-warmest, according to NOAA, NASA and Copernicus. Rasmale’ Development: Eagle Hills hopes to finalize its proposed $20 billion project by November 11. Environmental impact assessments are among the steps still needed before construction, which the company expects to begin in about a year. Clean Energy: Resort operators explored lagoon-based floating solar as a way to cut diesel use without taking up island space; one resort microgrid nearing completion is designed for about 4MW of peak solar generation alongside battery storage. Reef Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva are supporting coral restoration in Dharavandhoo, while Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu received a SATA Silver award for its environmental work, including marine conservation and island-grown produce.

Global Heat: September 2026 was the planet’s second-hottest September on record, with January–September also the second-warmest year-to-date period, according to climate researchers. Eco-Tourism: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu won silver as a leading eco-friendly resort at the South Asian Travel Awards, citing marine conservation and lower-impact operations in Baa Atoll. Clean Energy: Resort operators are exploring lagoon-based floating solar and battery storage to cut diesel use, while balancing power generation with the island setting. Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are backing a community-led coral regeneration programme in Dharavandhoo, working with local NGO Muraka Farm.

Climate: September 2026 was the planet’s second-hottest September on record, with global temperatures for January–September also second-highest. Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are backing a community-led coral regeneration programme in Dharavandhoo, working with local NGO Muraka Farm to build local skills and support reef recovery. Clean Energy: Resort operators heard proposals for lagoon floating solar, rooftop panels and battery storage to cut diesel use. Speakers stressed that projects must make financial sense and fit the island landscape; financing options for private-sector energy projects were also discussed.

Renewable Energy: Resort leaders are weighing floating solar in lagoons as a way to cut diesel use without taking up more island land. At a recent industry forum, IFC also outlined financing options for resort solar and battery storage. Climate: September 2026 was the planet’s second-hottest September on record, while January–September was the second-warmest such period, underscoring the urgency of emissions cuts. Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are backing a coral regeneration programme in Dharavandhoo, working with local NGO Muraka Farm and the island community to build local skills and capacity.

Renewable Energy: A resort-industry forum has put lagoon floating solar in focus, weighing its potential to cut diesel use against impacts on island views. Speakers also outlined financing options for resort solar and battery storage. Climate: September 2026 was the planet’s second-hottest September on record, with January–September also the second-warmest such period, according to NOAA, NASA and Copernicus. Coral Reefs: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are backing community-led reef restoration in Dharavandhoo, including training for local residents and a coral nursery. Disaster Resilience: A new EU-backed regional programme will help Maldives and six other South Asian countries use satellite data for climate adaptation, early warning and infrastructure planning. Sustainable Fisheries: At a tuna event in Dhaka, Maldivian and Bangladeshi officials discussed cooperation on sustainable fisheries and expanding trade in Maldivian tuna.

Climate: September 2026 was Earth’s second-hottest September on record, with January–September also the second-warmest period measured, according to NOAA, NASA and Copernicus. Clean Energy: At the Hotelier Maldives forum, IFC outlined financing options for resort solar power—including floating solar—and battery storage to strengthen energy resilience. Coral Reefs: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives will train 10–15 Dharavandhoo residents in reef restoration and establish a community coral nursery, with local NGO Muraka Farm. Climate Preparedness: A new €19 million EU-backed programme will help Maldives and six other South Asian countries use satellite data for disaster readiness, early warnings and climate adaptation. Sustainable Fisheries: Maldives and Bangladesh have called for closer cooperation on sustainable fisheries, with Maldivian pole-and-line tuna showcased at a Dhaka event.

Resort Energy: The IFC is outlining financing options to help Maldivian resorts invest in solar power and battery storage, reducing reliance on costly fossil-fuel generation. Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu, Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives and Dharavandhoo’s Muraka Farm will train 10–15 community members and establish a coral nursery to support reef recovery in Baa Atoll. Disaster Preparedness: A new €19 million EU, CDRI and European Space Agency programme will help the Maldives and six other South Asian countries use satellite data for climate adaptation, early warnings and infrastructure planning. Sustainable Fisheries: At a Dhaka event promoting Maldivian tuna, the Maldives’ High Commissioner highlighted the importance of maintaining pole-and-line fishing and expanding sustainable fisheries trade.

Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives are backing a community-led reef programme in Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll. It will train 10–15 residents, establish a coral nursery and involve young people in restoration and monitoring, supporting reefs vital to local livelihoods. Climate Resilience: A €19 million EU, CDRI and European Space Agency programme will help seven South Asian countries, including the Maldives, use satellite data for disaster preparedness, early warnings and climate adaptation. Ocean Stewardship: A Maldives-hosted tuna gala in Bangladesh highlighted the country’s pole-and-line fishery and the importance of sustainable fishing, as both nations discussed closer cooperation. Conservation Tourism: A report on citizen science points to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, where guests can join coral planting and reef surveys alongside marine specialists.

Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives are backing community-led reef recovery in Dharavandhoo, with training for 10–15 residents and plans for a nursery of 30–50 structures. Local NGO Muraka Farm and island residents will help monitor and restore reefs vital to tourism, fisheries and livelihoods. Climate Resilience: A €19 million EU-backed programme will bring satellite-based Earth observation and climate services to the Maldives and six other South Asian countries, supporting disaster preparedness, early warnings and resilient infrastructure planning. Energy Transition: The Maldives and UAE have discussed grid upgrades, battery storage and expanding renewable energy to reduce reliance on diesel, alongside water and waste-to-energy projects. Sustainable Fisheries: At a tuna gala in Dhaka, Maldivian officials highlighted pole-and-line fishing and explored stronger cooperation with Bangladesh on sustainable fisheries and trade.

Coral Restoration: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives are backing a community-led reef recovery programme in Dharavandhoo. It will train 10–15 residents and establish a coral nursery, supporting reefs vital to local fisheries, tourism and livelihoods. Clean Energy: The Maldives and UAE discussed modernising the electricity grid, adding battery storage and expanding renewables to reduce diesel dependence, alongside water, sewerage and waste-to-energy projects. Sustainable Fisheries: At a tuna gala in Dhaka, Maldivian officials promoted the country’s pole-and-line fishery and discussed expanding sustainable fisheries cooperation with Bangladesh. Citizen Science: A growing role for public participation in research is reaching Maldives resorts, where guests can help marine biologists plant coral and monitor reefs.

Maldives–Bangladesh Ocean Link: At Dhaka’s Great Tuna Gala, Maldives officials pushed stronger cooperation in sustainable fisheries and tourism, with the event spotlighting pole-and-line tuna and people-to-people ties. Tourism Finance for Locals: SME Digital launched USD repayable guesthouse financing, offering up to MVR 10m over 15 years (with an 18-month grace period) for renovations, expansion and tech upgrades—aimed at businesses earning in USD. Energy & Resilience Talks: The Maldives and UAE discussed modernising the electricity grid, adding battery storage, cutting diesel dependence, and expanding water and sewerage projects across 40 islands, alongside renewable energy and waste-to-energy plans. Blue Economy Dialogue: The Sagarmanthan maritime forum in New Delhi (Oct 7–9) will bring 1,200+ delegates to focus on trade, technology, sustainability and cooperation at sea. Climate Finance Context: World Bank projections say Nepal’s growth will slow to 3.7% after the Rasuwa flood, underscoring the need for resilient infrastructure—an issue that resonates across the region. EU Green Claims Crackdown: Sri Lanka-linked reporting flags EU rules from Sept 27 that tighten how tourism and hotels can market “green” claims without solid backing. Skills for Marine Jobs: Atmosphere Foundation marked the second “Zero to Divemaster” graduation, training 10 more Maldivians into professional diving pathways.

Energy & Water Security: Maldives and the UAE discussed implementing energy projects, including modernising the electricity grid, smart systems, battery storage, expanding renewables, and water production and sewerage work across 40 islands. Marine Conservation & Skills: Atmosphere Foundation graduated its second “Zero to Divemaster” cohort, bringing trained young Maldivians to 20 and boosting careers in the diving sector. Reef Restoration: Bandos Maldives marked a loyal guest’s 50th visit with a dedicated K & A Coral Garden, using coral fragments to build a living habitat on its house reef. Biodiversity & Training: Applications opened for a fourth Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program, teaching mariculture and environmental protection at Maniyafushi. Climate Diplomacy: Only a small number of non-Pacific leaders are attending a pre-COP meeting in Fiji, with Maldives among the confirmed outside attendees. Urban Safety: Greater Male’ mobility and police discussed tackling traffic dangers, with Hulhumalé accounting for most accidents. Wildlife Citizen Science: A feature highlights how citizen science is rising, including resort-led guest help with coral planting and wildlife surveys in the Maldives.

Marine Skills & Jobs: Atmosphere Foundation marked the graduation of its second “Zero to Divemaster” batch, bringing trained Maldivians to 20 total and building a pipeline into resort and safari diving work. Reef Restoration: Bandos Maldives dedicated a new “K & A Coral Garden” on its house reef to honour a long-time guest’s 50 visits and hundreds of dives, using coral fragments secured for habitat growth. Mariculture Training: Applications opened for the 4th Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program, with a 14-day mariculture course at Maniyafushi covering hatchery and nursery production plus disease prevention and environmental protection. Ocean-Led Festive Season: Ifuru Island unveiled “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” for late Dec–early Jan, blending marine-inspired décor and activities with a starry theme. Energy for Resorts: Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will present lagoon floating solar options at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, pushing renewables beyond limited rooftops. Urban Safety & Environment: Maldives plans drone support for firefighting in high-rise areas as Malé fire risks rise, tied to dense living and unsafe wiring. Animal Welfare: “Project Baukalo” launches as a one-year pilot to improve stray-cat coexistence in Hulhumalé through humane TNR, adoption pathways and cleaner public spaces. Climate Diplomacy: Only a small number of non-Pacific leaders are set to attend Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP talks, including Maldives, as Pacific nations push for stronger climate focus ahead of COP31.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: Only a handful of leaders beyond the Pacific are set to attend Australia-Fiji-Tuvalu’s pre-COP meeting in Fiji, with the Maldives among the confirmed outside attendees—raising concerns that the world isn’t paying enough attention to island climate risks. Indian Ocean Security & Infrastructure: India and the US plan strategic cooperation across the Indian Ocean, including ports, telecommunications and maritime security for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius. Road Safety in Greater Malé: The Mobility Office and Police discussed traffic solutions for Male’ and Hulhumalé, where accidents are heavily concentrated, including 1,295 in Hulhumalé in the first seven months. Teachers’ Wellbeing: Education Minister and President Muizzu both signalled stronger support for teachers’ mental health and safer school environments. Fire Safety Upgrade: Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed said drones are being prepared to help control fires in high-rise buildings. Marine & Reef Focus: Applications open for a new mariculture skills course at Maniyafushi, and Bandos marked a coral restoration milestone with a dedicated house-reef garden. Energy Transition for Resorts: Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will present lagoon floating solar options at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are confirmed for Australia–Fiji–Tuvalu’s pre-COP meeting in Fiji, with the Maldives among the few extra-regional attendees—raising fresh questions about how much global attention is landing on Pacific climate risks. Biodiversity Financing: The Maldives has started a GEF-funded push with UNDP to update its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, prepare its next CBD report, and build a biodiversity financing plan to protect natural environment and ecosystems long-term. Renewables for Resorts: Atoll Solar and Ocean Sun will present lagoon floating solar options at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, focusing on boosting renewable generation where land and rooftops are limited. Marine Skills & Hatcheries: Applications are open for a 14-day Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program (Oct 31–Nov 12) training future mariculture operators, including live-feed, hatchery work, and aquaculture environmental protection. Urban Fire Safety: Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed says drones are being prepared to help control fires in high-rise buildings in Malé, as congestion and unsafe wiring continue to drive incidents. Local Coexistence: “Project Baukalo” launches as a one-year national pilot to improve humane management of stray cats in Hulhumalé through Trap-Neuter-Return, adoption pathways, responsible feeding, and cleaner public spaces. Coral Restoration Spotlight: Bandos Maldives marks a loyal guest’s 50th visit by dedicating a coral garden on its house reef, using a frame-based method to grow Acropora fragments into a living habitat. Teacher Wellbeing: President Muizzu says the state will prioritize teachers’ health and working conditions, including support for inclusive education and children with disabilities.