AGP Executive Report

Waste & Plastics Policy: Parliament passed a Waste Management Act amendment, removing the MVR 2 plastic-bag fee on bulk packs over 50 bags, while also strengthening waste-management planning and standards. Utilities Oversight: The People’s Majlis approved amendments to expand the URA board from five to seven members (including the CEO), with clearer qualifications and five-year terms. Tobacco Control Funding: HPA launched an MVR 3 million annual fund from the Public Health Fund for civil society and community groups to run tobacco-awareness and quit-support programmes. Marine Life & Climate Signals: A new study highlights how atolls across the Indo-Pacific support about 31.2 million nesting seabirds and that their nutrient-rich droppings help ecosystems function. Mangrove Risk Warning: Reporting flags that a strong El Niño and a likely Indian Ocean Dipole could stress mangroves via heat, flooding, and salinity changes—urging better monitoring and early warnings. Coastal & Fisheries Moves: Fisheries Ministry designated 10 more mariculture zones, while MTCC was contracted for a Villimalé dinghy jetty and coastal protection works. Energy Security: Maldives secured a USD 50m ADB loan to help procure essential fuel for electricity, water, transport, and waste management. Sharks & Safety: Influencers are being warned after shark-bite incidents linked to people getting too close for content.

Waste & Plastics Policy: Parliament passed an amendment to the Waste Management Act, removing the MVR 2 plastic-bag fee on bulk packs over 50 bags and expanding where exemptions apply, while also setting up stronger waste-management standards and planning links to national and city master plans. Utilities Governance: The People’s Majlis approved amendments to the URA Act to expand its board from five to seven members (including the Chief Executive), with qualification requirements and a rule that the Chief Executive won’t vote at board meetings. Tobacco Control Funding: HPA launched a dedicated annual MVR 3 million fund from the Public Health Fund to support civil society and community groups running tobacco-awareness and quit-support programmes, with capped admin costs and three funding categories. Marine Life & Biodiversity: A new study says Indo-Pacific atolls support about 31.2 million nesting seabirds and that seabird nutrients help sustain surrounding ecosystems—highlighting why protecting atolls matters for both wildlife and people. Mariculture Expansion: Fisheries Ministry designated 10 more mariculture zones across Thaa, Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu and Gaafu Alifu, building on earlier designated areas. Energy Security: ADB approved a USD 50 million emergency loan to help Maldives secure essential fuel for electricity, water, transport of food/medical supplies, and waste management amid rising global oil prices. Coastal Protection & Harbours: MTCC was contracted to build a dinghy jetty and deliver coastal protection in Villimalé, including dredging, breakwaters and sand nourishment. Data Privacy & Public Services: MTCC filed a police complaint over an employee accused of leaking sensitive data from the “Male’ Taxi Line” app after service disruptions, saying the person accessed the backend without authorization. Climate Risk Signals: Research warns that El Niño and a likely Indian Ocean Dipole can stress mangroves through heat, flooding, and salinity changes—making early monitoring and warnings crucial. Shark Safety Online Trends: Influencers are being urged to stop “swim with sharks” content after multiple bites worldwide, including incidents linked to people getting too close or ignoring safety guidance.

Climate & Coasts: A strong El Niño is building in the Pacific while a positive Indian Ocean Dipole is expected, raising sea-temperature and rainfall swings that can severely stress mangroves; early monitoring of sea level, salinity and ecosystem health is urged to reduce erosion, storm damage and livelihood risks. Energy Security: The ADB has approved a USD 50 million loan for Maldives fuel procurement under an Energy Security Emergency Assistance project, aimed at keeping diesel flowing for electricity, water, inter-island transport, and even waste management amid global oil price shocks. Coastal Protection Works: The Infrastructure Ministry has contracted MTCC for a dinghy jetty and coastal protection in Villimalé, including dredging, revetments and breakwater upgrades—meant to cut erosion and strengthen shoreline resilience. Waste & Environment Services: The Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ministry handed WAMCO 22 pickups to expand island waste collection, targeting atoll capitals and major urban centres and tackling illegal littering. Wildlife Safety: Influencers are being warned to stop “selfie with sharks” behaviour after multiple bites worldwide, with experts pointing to people ignoring safety guidance and getting too close. Emergency Response: MNDF’s Fire and Rescue Service reported 13 emergency incidents last week, including fires, rescues and hazmat calls, with most in Malé.

Energy Security: The Maldives government signed a USD 50 million ADB loan to ease fuel pressure from rising global oil prices, supporting diesel for electricity and water, plus fuel for transport, food and medical supplies. Coastal Protection & Ports: MTCC has been contracted to build a dinghy jetty and deliver coastal protection in Villimalé, including dredging and new breakwater and revetment works. Waste Management: The Climate, Environment and Energy Ministry handed WAMCO 22 vehicles to expand island waste collection, targeting atoll capitals and major urban areas and tackling illegal dumping. Disaster Response: MNDF reported 13 emergency incidents in one week, with most in Malé, as search efforts continue for three people missing at sea after a supply boat sank. Wildlife Safety: Shark encounters linked to selfie and content-chasing are rising, with multiple influencers reportedly bitten in recent months, raising concerns about feeding and getting too close. Digital Economy: Visit Maldives Corporation will host the inaugural Digital Ownership Summit 2026 on tokenised assets, aligned with Maldives 2.0. Tourism Tech: Synetecs upgraded Thaana AI, adding full Dhivehi and English support and boosting usage for the same cost.

Tourism Resilience: Maldives tourism bounced back in July after a four-month dip caused by Middle East air route disruptions, with direct flights to Australia launched and more connectivity expected as Visit Maldives Year 2027 approaches. Energy Security: ADB approved a $50m emergency loan to help the Maldives manage fuel shortages and keep electricity and desalination running amid regional conflict-driven price shocks. Waste & Clean Islands: The Environment Ministry handed WAMCO 22 vehicles (island pickups and 350kg trucks) to expand door-to-door waste collection and curb illegal littering. Community & Nature: Bank of Maldives’ Bank Fund 2026 selected five NGO projects, including a digital resilience hub, eco-park and pond restoration, climate-smart agro-processing, and a school makerspace. Marine Focus in Resorts: Kodhipparu launched “Reef Connection,” linking sunrise yoga, marine discovery, and dining around its house reef. Wildlife Safety Online: A new wave of shark-bite incidents tied to influencer behavior is raising concerns about feeding and getting too close to sharks. Shifting Resort Identity: Kuredhivaru Resort & Spa is rebranding to Mondrian Maldives, aiming for “evolution, not revolution” in operations and guest expectations.

Energy & Resilience: The Asian Development Bank approved a $50 million emergency loan for Maldives energy security, aiming to keep electricity and water running by supporting fuel imports amid fuel shortages and tourism strain from West Asia conflicts. Waste & Clean Islands: The Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ministry handed WAMCO 22 vehicles (10 island pickups and 12 350kg trucks) to expand island waste collection and curb illegal littering. Tourism Planning: Visit Maldives Year 2027 got its theme, “Islands Are Us,” unveiled at the VMC’s Q3 tourism intelligence briefing, alongside updates on visitor satisfaction and efforts to strengthen new markets and air connectivity after earlier arrival dips. Community & Nature: Bank of Maldives’ Bank Fund 2026 selected five NGO projects, including a freshwater pond and eco-park restoration, climate-smart agro-processing, and a makerspace—plus a digital resilience hub in Dhidhdhoo. Marine Life Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists were announced, with images highlighting ocean wildlife and the growing pressures on marine habitats—an urgent reminder for Maldives reef protection.

Energy Security: The Asian Development Bank approved a $50 million emergency loan for the Maldives to strengthen energy security amid fuel shortages linked to West Asia conflicts, supporting reliable electricity and water services by backing fuel imports. Waste Management: The Environment Ministry handed WAMCO 22 vehicles (10 island pickups and 12 trucks) to expand door-to-door waste collection and reduce illegal littering, with a focus on atoll capitals and urban centres. Tourism Resilience: Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen says Maldives arrivals dipped for four months due to Middle East aviation disruptions, but bounced back in early July, while Visit Maldives Year 2027 planning targets new markets and community opportunities. Marine & Conservation: Soneva resorts (Fushi, Jani, Secret) were named to Forbes Travel Guide’s Edge List 2026, highlighting nature protection in Baa Atoll, while Machchafushi continues to market its award-winning house reef and marine life. Community Support: Bank of Maldives’ Bank Fund 2026 selected five projects, including a digital resilience hub, eco-park and freshwater pond restoration, and climate-smart farming support. Ocean Awareness: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists were announced, spotlighting both ocean wildlife and environmental damage.

Waste & Clean Islands: The Maldives Environment Ministry handed 22 pickups to WAMCO—10 island pickups and 12 trucks (350kg capacity)—to expand door-to-door waste collection and curb illegal littering, especially in atoll capitals and major urban areas. Tourism Planning: Visit Maldives Year 2027 gets its theme “Islands Are Us,” unveiled at the Q3 tourism intelligence briefing, as the government pushes market expansion and community opportunities. Tourism Recovery: Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen says arrivals dipped for four months after Middle East aviation disruptions, but bounced back in early July, with new connectivity steps including direct flights to Australia. Community Conservation Funding: Bank of Maldives’ Bank Fund 2026 backs five sustainable projects, including a freshwater pond restoration and eco-park in Funadhoo, climate-smart agro-processing in Laamu, and reef-linked community initiatives. Marine Life & Reef Protection: Grand Park Kodhipparu launched “Kodhipparu Reef Connection,” linking villas, marine discovery, wellbeing and dining around its house reef and a Blue Mind reef experience. Youth & Public Health: Male’ City Council voted to enforce a public smoking ban in prohibited areas, responding to complaints about smoking in parks.

Tourism & Environment: Visit Maldives’ Q3 briefing says arrivals dipped for four months after Middle East aviation disruptions, but recovered in early July; the government is pushing new markets and island community opportunities ahead of Visit Maldives Year 2027, themed “Islands Are Us.” Community Conservation: Bank of Maldives’ Bank Fund 2026 backs five local projects, including restoring a freshwater pond and building an eco park in Funadhoo, plus climate-smart agro-processing in Laamu and other community hubs. Marine Life Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists highlight both ocean wildlife and environmental damage, with images ranging from orcas and seahorses to reef life under pressure. Coconut Pest Control: China–Maldives cooperation continues in Hanimaadhoo with a coconut tree pest management training wrap-up and a natural enemy breeding centre, aimed at tackling long-standing coconut grove problems. Urban Food & Smoke: Male’ City Council is studying a safe zone for commercial fish processing (including rihaakuru) to reduce smoke and inconvenience in residential alleys. Public Health Enforcement: Male’ City Council decided to push authorities to enforce the public smoking ban in parks and other prohibited areas.

Tourism & Communities: Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen says Visit Maldives Year 2027 will back tourism growth by targeting new markets and creating more opportunities for island communities, citing strong 2025 survey results (over 85% plan to return; over 90% would recommend). He also notes a four-month arrivals dip earlier this year linked to Middle East aviation disruptions, with recovery by early July. Environment & Energy Security: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 50m emergency loan to help the Maldives cover fuel imports as Middle East conflict keeps prices high, protecting electricity, desalination, food/health logistics, inter-island transport and waste management. Community Conservation Funding: Bank of Maldives named five ‘Bank Fund 2026’ recipients, including freshwater pond restoration and an eco-park in Sh. Funadhoo, climate-smart agro-processing support in Laamu, and environmental community projects near Kalaidhoo jetty. Nature & Pest Control: China–Maldives cooperation expanded on Hanimaadhoo with a coconut palm pest management training wrap-up and a natural enemy breeding centre inauguration, aimed at tackling long-running coconut grove pest problems. Local Governance: Male’ City Council moved to enforce a public smoking ban in parks and public places, citing health risks to children and families. Marine Life & Wildlife: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists spotlight ocean wildlife and pressures on marine habitats, with a focus on how animals adapt as conditions change.

Biodiversity & Conservation: Soneva Jani became the Maldives’ first resort recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), covering 0.41 sq km of reef, beach and mangrove habitat and supporting threatened species including hawksbill and green turtles. Marine & Food Security: The Fisheries Ministry set an export quota for sea-cucumber processors after completing a Non-Detriment Finding for the giant sea-cucumber fishery under CITES rules, with licensing and quota allocation steps for eligible processors. Climate Resilience & Energy: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 50m emergency loan to help fund critical fuel imports, keeping electricity, desalination, inter-island transport and waste management running amid Middle East-driven price shocks. Local Environment Action: Male’ City Council began research on designating a safe zone for fish cooking and processing (including rihaakuru), aiming to reduce smoke and disruption in residential alleys. Community Sustainability: Bank of Maldives named Bank Fund 2026 recipients, including projects tied to eco-conservation, climate-smart agriculture and community resilience hubs across atolls. Health & Atoll Services: Health DG Dr Ahmed Ashraf said specialist doctors are reluctant to practise outside Malé, calling for more local doctors and better support for atoll-level training and services.

Fuel Security: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 50M emergency loan to help the Maldives cover fuel imports after Middle East conflict pushed up prices, threatening electricity, desalination, food and health logistics, and waste management. Marine & Biodiversity Protection: Soneva Jani became the Maldives’ first resort recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), covering reef, beach and mangrove habitat and supporting threatened turtles. Fisheries Rules: The Fisheries Ministry set an export quota for sea-cucumber processors after completing CITES “non-detriment finding” work, and urged unlicensed processors to apply via the Keyolhu Portal. Local Environment & Livelihoods: Male’ City Council is studying a safe zone for fish processing in residential areas, including rihaakuru preparation, to reduce smoke and public inconvenience. Community & Youth Action: Maldivian youth are stepping up with kayak protests against mangrove-damaging reclamation and beach cleanups targeting plastic pollution and coastal damage. Health Workforce: Health officials said 60% of doctors working in the Maldives are foreign nationals, with specialists reluctant to serve in atolls. Economy & Trade: Maldives and the US discussed expanding trade and investment ties, while BML increased US dollar allocations for Telegraphic Transfers for three weeks following MMA moves.

Energy Security: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 50 million emergency loan for fuel imports to keep Maldives electricity, desalination, health logistics, inter-island transport and waste management running as Middle East conflict pushes up prices. Marine & Wildlife Conservation: Soneva Jani became the first resort in the Maldives formally recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), covering 0.41 sq km of reef, beach and mangrove habitat and supporting threatened turtle nesting. Sustainable Fisheries Rules: The Fisheries Ministry set export quota arrangements for sea-cucumber processors after completing CITES “non-detriment finding” work, with amberfish consultations also focused on CITES permit requirements. Local Environmental Protection: A local council in Faresmaathoda warned of “irrevocable damage” from illegal sand and gravel mining, saying it increases coastal erosion and tidal flooding risks. Community Action: Bank of Maldives wrapped up seven staff-led community impact projects under its Community Impact Grant, including education and environment-focused initiatives. Health Workforce Pressure: Health officials said 60% of doctors working in Maldives are foreign, with specialists reluctant to serve outside Male’—a challenge for atoll healthcare coverage.

Marine Conservation & Biodiversity: Soneva Jani became the Maldives’ first resort recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), covering 0.41 sq km of reef, beach and mangrove habitat and supporting threatened turtles and other species. Wildlife Protection: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort recorded its first green sea turtle hatchlings of the season, with nests monitored under conservation protocols. Reef Restoration: Ventive Hospitality says it has planted over 10,000 coral fragments across Maldives resorts through its HARP programme. Fisheries & Trade Rules: The Fisheries Ministry set export quotas for sea cucumbers after completing CITES Non-Detriment Findings, and is urging processors to apply for licences via the Keyolhu Portal. Coastal & Land Damage: Faresmaathoda’s local council warned of “irrevocable damage” from illegal sand and gravel mining, linking it to erosion and tidal flooding. Climate Activism: Maldivian youth used kayaks to protest mangrove-damaging reclamation and joined beach cleanups, pushing back on coastal erosion, plastic pollution and ecosystem loss. Environment Monitoring: Tech4Nature Maldives handed modern monitoring gear to South Ari Atoll marine rangers to strengthen protection of the manta ray population. Tourism & Sustainability Jobs: Centara Maldives partnered with the World Bank-funded SAILS project to build structured apprenticeships and internships for Maldivian hospitality talent. Health Workforce Pressure: The Health Minister told Parliament that 60% of doctors working in the Maldives are foreign nationals, as the government aims to increase local training.

OECM Milestone: Soneva Jani becomes the first Maldives resort formally recognised as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure, covering 0.41 sq km of reef, beach and mangrove habitat and supporting threatened turtles and other species. Marine Protection & Research: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort reports its first green sea turtle hatchlings of the season, while Ventive Hospitality says it has planted 10,000 coral fragments across Maldives resorts under its reef restoration programme. CITES & Sustainable Trade: The Fisheries ministry held consultations with exporters on CITES requirements for amberfish sea cucumber, including how to apply a Non-Detriment Finding for legal, sustainable exports. Local Conservation Tools: Tech4Nature Maldives handed monitoring equipment to South Ari Atoll marine rangers to strengthen protection efforts, including for manta rays. Coastal Damage Warning: Faresmaathoda’s local council urges residents to stop illegal sand and gravel mining, warning of “irrevocable damage” like erosion and tidal flooding. Biodiversity in Action: Maldives opened a parasitoid rearing center at Hanimaadhoo to help control coconut pests using biological methods. Health Workforce Pressure: Health Minister Geela Ali told Parliament that 60% of doctors working in the Maldives are foreign nationals, with plans to expand local training. Governance & Accountability: Home Minister Ali Ihusan says a major Male’ blaze in 2024 was caused by air-conditioning wiring and not arson, after parliamentary questioning.

CITES & Marine Trade: The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources held consultations with exporters on CITES rules for amberfish sea cucumber, focusing on the “Non-Detriment Finding” process and permit requirements to keep trade sustainable. Climate Activism: Maldivian youth are stepping up with kayak protests against mangrove-damaging reclamation, plus beach cleanups targeting plastic pollution and reef impacts. Coastal Damage Warning: Faresmaathoda’s local council issued an urgent appeal over illegal sand and gravel mining, warning of “irrevocable damage” including erosion and tidal flooding. Coral Restoration Milestone: Ventive Hospitality says it has planted over 10,000 coral fragments across Maldives resorts under its HARP reef-protection programme. Sea Turtle Conservation: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau recorded its first green sea turtle hatchlings of the season, with nests monitored under approved protocols. Biosecurity for Coconuts: Maldives opened a parasitoid rearing center at Hanimaadhoo to protect coconut palms using environmentally friendly biological control. Marine Rangers Tech: Tech4Nature Maldives handed monitoring equipment and training to South Ari Atoll marine protected area rangers to better protect manta rays.