AGP Executive Report

Chagos Sovereignty: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has asked UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen talks over the disputed Chagos Islands, saying the Maldives was not consulted before the UK agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius—an issue tied to the Diego Garcia military base and long-running regional claims. Marine Conservation in Resorts: OBLU SELECT Sangeli is weaving reef work into day-to-day operations, linking coral nurseries and monitoring with energy, water, waste and guest education through its Muraka Marine Conservation Centre. Reef Restoration Progress: JOALI Maldives says its JOALI Reef Restoration Programme has planted 11,124 coral fragments, including 1,500 on its house reef, supported by its Marine Lab and approved permits. Heat Alert: The Maldives Health Protection Agency warns of rising temperatures linked to intensifying El Niño conditions, urging people to watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Coral-Reef Awareness Record: Bank of Maldives-backed snorkelling set a new Guinness record with 314 people in the water at once at Niva Kurumba Maldives to spotlight fragile coral reefs. Tourism & Sustainability: Sun Siyam reports Green Globe Certification across all five Maldives resorts, citing renewable energy, waste reduction, marine conservation and community engagement. Electric Boats Push: ExploMar appointed Eongrid as its exclusive Maldives distributor for high-performance electric outboard systems, aiming to cut emissions from marine transport. Fisheries Policy at FAO: Sri Lanka presented fisheries policy proposals at COFI 37, including stronger stock assessment, data-driven management and support for small-scale fisheries. Tourism Market Outreach: NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO plan a CIS roadshow in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Almaty to boost trade links in key source markets.

Chagos & Diego Garcia: Maldives President Muizzu has asked UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen “meaningful dialogue” on Chagos sovereignty, after the UK move to hand sovereignty to Mauritius while keeping a lease over the Diego Garcia base—Malé says it was not consulted and points to historic ties and marine protection. Heat & health: The Maldives Health Protection Agency issued a public advisory as El Niño intensifies, warning of rising temperatures and urging people to watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms. Reef restoration push: JOALI Maldives says its reef restoration has surpassed 11,000 coral plantings, continuing nursery and outplanting work around Muravandhoo. Coral conservation via records: Bank of Maldives and Niva Kurumba Maldives set a Guinness World Record with 314 simultaneous snorkelers, using the event to spotlight fragile coral reefs. Cleaner boats for cleaner seas: ExploMar appointed Eongrid as its exclusive Maldives distributor for electric outboard systems, aiming to cut emissions from marine transport. Fisheries policy at COFI 37: Sri Lanka presented fisheries policy proposals at FAO’s COFI 37, including climate adaptation and support for small-scale fisheries. Tourism market outreach: NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO announced a CIS region roadshow in Russia and Kazakhstan to boost arrivals. Thilafushi port control: The Economic Ministry says the new Thilafushi port’s development, ownership and operation will remain under government control. El Niño warning context: HPA links warmer sea conditions to above-normal temperatures, reinforcing the need for public precautions.

Coral Conservation Spotlight: Bank of Maldives just set a Guinness World Record with 314 people snorkeling simultaneously at Niva Kurumba Maldives, using the mass dive to push reef protection and highlight threats to marine ecosystems. Heat Risk Alert: The Health Protection Agency issued a public advisory as El Niño intensifies, warning of rising temperatures and urging people to watch for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and eye irritation. Chagos Sovereignty Push: President Mohamed Muizzu has asked UK PM Andy Burnham to reopen talks over the disputed Chagos Islands, saying the Maldives was not consulted before sovereignty was agreed to be transferred to Mauritius. Ocean Education Week: Nova Maldives will partner with PADI for Project AWARE Week (16–20 Sept), blending wildlife observation with hands-on conservation for divers and snorkelers. Climate Overshoot Warning: A UNEP report says small island states face serious impacts even if warming overshoots 1.5°C, including reef loss, saltwater intrusion, and worse coastal flooding. State Utilities Restructure: President Muizzu announced plans to dissolve Fenaka and transfer its electricity, water, and sewerage services to STELCO, aiming to cut duplication and improve efficiency. Ocean Literacy Partnerships: Dhiraagu continues ocean literacy efforts through partnerships focused on educating children and youth about the sea.

Chagos Sovereignty: President Muizzu has demanded “meaningful dialogue” with UK PM Andy Burnham over the Chagos Islands, saying the Maldives was not consulted before any move to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius. Heat & Health: The Maldives Health Protection Agency issued a public heat alert as El Niño intensifies, warning of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration risks. Ocean Action: Bank of Maldives set a Guinness World Record with 314 people snorkeling simultaneously at Niva Kurumba, backing reef protection through its ENV POS conservation funding. Marine Education: Nova Maldives and PADI will co-host Project AWARE Week (16–20 Sept), pairing wildlife observation with hands-on conservation and debris dives. Climate Pressure for Islands: A UNEP report warns the world is expected to breach 1.5°C warming, raising risks like saltwater intrusion, reef loss and harsher coastal flooding for small islands. Utilities Restructure: Muizzu announced Fenaka will be dissolved and its electricity, water and sewerage services transferred to STELCO, alongside merging RDC into MTCC. Ocean Literacy Partnerships: Dhiraagu is partnering with SEED/SEAD to boost ocean literacy for children and youth.

Climate Diplomacy: China’s Ambassador Kong Xianhua met Maldives Climate Minister Ali Shareef, pledging deeper cooperation on green and sustainable development, new energy, and environment. Marine Conservation & Awareness: Bank of Maldives set a Guinness World Record with 314 simultaneous snorkelers at Niva Kurumba Maldives, using the event to push reef protection via its ENV POS programme; BML also backed coral planting there. Ocean Literacy for Youth: Dhiraagu teamed up with SEAD to boost ocean literacy through hands-on learning in Hulhumalé, K. Kaashidhoo and B. Goidhoo, covering seagrass, mangroves, restoration and marine-friendly practices. Disaster Preparedness: NDMA received a permanent land plot in Hulhumalé Phase II to build its HQ, emergency operations center, warehouse and temporary shelter facilities. State Utilities Restructure: President Muizzu announced Fenaka (and also RDC) will be dissolved, with utility services shifting to STELCO as part of cost-cutting and consolidation. Climate Outlook: Maldives Met Office warned El Niño effects are expected to peak in November, with reduced rainfall and warmer seas affecting tourism, agriculture and fisheries. Regional Climate Cooperation: Bangladesh and Maldives reaffirmed climate resilience collaboration ahead of COP31, highlighting shared risks like sea-level rise and ecosystem degradation.

Utility Reshuffle: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu says Fenaka Corporation will be dissolved and its electricity, water and sewerage services transferred to STELCO, with workforce “right-sizing” to cut duplication and costs. Marine Conservation Push: Bank of Maldives (BML) set a Guinness World Record with 314 people snorkeling simultaneously at Niva Kurumba Maldives, using the event to spotlight fragile reefs; BML also backed coral planting there for restoration. Ocean Literacy for Youth: Dhiraagu is partnering with SEAD to boost ocean literacy through hands-on learning in Hulhumalé, K. Kaashidhoo and B. Goidhoo, including citizen science and ecosystem restoration topics. Climate Risk Alert: Maldives Meteorological Service warns El Niño effects are expected to peak in November, with reduced rainfall likely and higher ocean temperatures that could affect fishing and tourism. Disaster Preparedness: NDMA received a permanent land plot in Hulhumalé Phase II for its headquarters, emergency operations and shelters. Marine Tourism Recognition: Sun Siyam Vilu Reef was named Best House Reef at the TTM Awards 2026, highlighting its resident turtles, reef sharks and coral restoration work. AWARE Week Returns: Nova Maldives will co-host PADI Project AWARE Week (16–20 Sept) with dive-and-cleanup activities aimed at turning ocean time into conservation action.

Climate Watch: Maldives Meteorological Service says El Niño effects are expected to peak in November, with reduced rainfall likely through February and warmer-than-average ocean and air conditions that could strain fishing, tourism and agriculture. Ocean Literacy: Dhiraagu is backing SEED and SEAD initiatives to teach ocean literacy through hands-on learning in Hulhumalé, K. Kaashidhoo and B. Goidhoo, covering seagrass, mangroves, restoration and marine ecosystems. Disaster Preparedness: NDMA has secured a permanent land plot in Hulhumalé Phase II for its headquarters, emergency operations and shelter facilities, after operating from a temporary rundown building. Tourism & Conservation Recognition: Sun Siyam Vilu Reef was named Best House Reef at the TTM Awards 2026, highlighting coral restoration and resident marine life; Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives also won family and sustainability honours at the LUXlife Awards. Regional Climate Cooperation: Bangladesh and Maldives reaffirm climate cooperation and resilience work ahead of COP31, with youth-focused engagement highlighted.

El Niño Watch: The Maldives Meteorological Service says El Niño’s strongest effects are expected to peak in November, with reduced rainfall and above-average temperatures likely continuing into February—urging tourism, agriculture and fisheries to step up safety and mitigation. Climate Partnerships: Bangladesh and the Maldives reaffirmed climate cooperation and resilience work at UNICEF’s “Youth Track to COP31,” highlighting shared risks like sea-level rise and coastal ecosystem damage. Ocean Literacy Push: Dhiraagu is backing SEED (Science, Explore, Act, Discover) to boost ocean literacy for children and youth through field learning, citizen science and restoration activities across Hulhumalé and islands. Disaster Preparedness: NDMA received a permanent land plot in Hulhumalé Phase II for its headquarters, emergency operations centre, warehouse and temporary shelter facilities. Health Supply Upgrade: State Pharma installed a digital stock system to show pharmacy medicine availability in real time, with public access planned within two months and a 24-hour hotline for queries. Surf & Conservation Culture: The 14th Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is underway in North Malé Atoll, spotlighting Maldives surf talent and international competitors. Public Safety & Accountability: Home Minister Ali Ihusan has requested further clarification and investigation into former President Yameen’s claims about the 2024 Green Building fire, after police said earlier findings pointed to an electrical short circuit.

Ocean Literacy Push: Dhiraagu teamed up with SEAD to boost ocean literacy among young people, using connectivity support for SEAD’s Urban Hub in Hulhumalé and island outreach. The programme mixes citizen science, marine data collection, ecosystem restoration and hands-on water activities like snorkeling, surfing and kitesurfing across Hulhumalé, K. Kaashidhoo and B. Goidhoo. Climate Cooperation for Resilience: Bangladesh reaffirmed climate action and closer cooperation with the Maldives through UNICEF’s “Youth Track to COP31,” highlighting shared risks like sea-level rise and environmental degradation. Disaster Management Upgrade: Maldives’ NDMA received a permanent land plot in Hulhumalé Phase II (13,574 sq ft) to build its HQ, an emergency operations center, warehouse and temporary shelter facilities. Regional Climate Losses Debate: Nepal urged stronger South Asian cooperation on climate change, including compensation for losses and damages, at a parliamentary forum in Bhutan that also included lawmakers from the Maldives. Tourism Finance Plan: Maldives Stock Exchange and Securities Depository unveiled a 2026–2030 strategic plan to strengthen market infrastructure, with a focus on helping SMEs raise funds and an “anchor tourism listing” target by 2027. Reef-Respect Collaboration: Patina Maldives (Fari Islands) announced a Sean Wotherspoon art and reef collaboration themed “Respect the Reef,” linking creative workshops with coral restoration ideas.

Capital Markets: Maldives Stock Exchange and Securities Depository unveiled a 2026–2030 plan to strengthen market infrastructure, help SMEs raise funds, and push an “issuer-readiness” pathway plus a Viyana MSME Growth Board; tourism is flagged for an anchor listing by 2027. Health Infrastructure: Maldives laid the foundation for an ADB-backed Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé to improve safe storage of vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines, boosting readiness for future public-health emergencies. Waste & Climate Risk: South Asia is being urged to cut methane from the waste sector with practical action, after a regional workshop highlighted how unmanaged waste drives major climate and health impacts. Tourism Demand Signals: Yandex Ads and MATI/Visit Maldives shared findings showing Russia is now the Maldives’ second-largest source market, with rising bookings via Yandex Travel and growing year-round demand. Marine Conservation Spotlight: Kandooma’s Manta Month returns with education and conservation, citing new research that values manta ray tourism to the Maldives at hundreds of millions annually. Ports & Strategy: Maldives has signed an MoU with a Chinese firm for Phase 1 of Thilafushi Port, raising strategic concerns in India’s neighbourhood.

Climate & health: Hawaiʻi’s health department says a wastewater sample from Hilo tested positive for dengue virus, with no active cases currently tracked; officials note dengue is usually travel-associated in Hawaiʻi and highlight risk across tropical regions, including the Maldives. Marine conservation & tourism value: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma’s Manta Month returns this September, tying manta protection to new research valuing reef manta tourism for the Maldives. Reef-focused resort collaboration: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will host designer Sean Wotherspoon (12 Aug–12 Sep 2026) for a “Respect the Reef” project, including a ceramic fish sculpture meant to become part of the marine environment. Local infrastructure for resilience: Maldives MoH broke ground on a Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé with ADB support to strengthen vaccine and temperature-sensitive medical storage. Ports & environment/strategy: The Maldives has signed an MoU with a Chinese firm for Phase 1 of Thilafushi Port after stepping back from joint development with India, raising strategic and governance concerns. Waste methane push (regional): South Asia is urged to act fast to cut methane from the waste sector, with a workshop in Colombo calling for practical mitigation steps.

Pacific Climate Pressure: Australia’s pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu is drawing scrutiny after low leader turnout, even as it promises climate funding and highlights Pacific frontline impacts. Renewables for Islands: Australia-backed upgrades in Palau include extra solar battery storage to cut diesel use and boost renewable generation. Designing for Sea-Level Risk: A new RIBA-linked competition invites students to embed climate-resilient solar panels into tourism architecture for Fiji, the Maldives and Mauritius. Waste Methane Alarm: South Asia is urged to move from studies to action to cut methane from unmanaged waste, citing major climate and health risks. Maldives Reef Value: Kandooma’s Manta Month spotlights the economic case for protecting reef manta rays, tying conservation to tourism revenue. Health Monitoring: Hawaiʻi reported dengue virus detected in wastewater (no active cases tracked), a reminder of rising travel-linked disease risks. Tourism Reality Check: A new analysis warns countries overly dependent on tourism face a “dangerous illusion,” with the Maldives named among examples. Local Infrastructure: Maldives broke ground on a central cold chain facility to strengthen vaccine and temperature-sensitive health supply storage. Marine Wildlife Surprise: Whale sharks were spotted in New York waters, underscoring how marine life can show up far beyond expected ranges.

Waste Methane Push: South Asia is being urged to move from studies to action to cut methane from the waste sector, after a regional workshop in Colombo highlighted methane’s heavy climate impact and the waste sector’s major share of human-caused emissions. Coral Recovery Watch: A new global reef report flags South Asia as a rare bright spot, with hard coral cover rising in recent decades—Maldives reefs make up most of the region’s reef area, and recovery gains were strongest in the Maldives and Chagos. Marine Life & Tourism Value: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma’s Manta Month continues with a conservation focus, citing research that manta ray tourism brings major economic value to the Maldives. Health & Sanitation Signal: Hawaiʻi’s health authorities detected dengue virus in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked—an alert for mosquito-borne disease risk in tourist-linked regions. Climate-Resilient Solar Ideas: Students are invited to design how solar panels can be built into tourism infrastructure in climate-vulnerable small islands including the Maldives, aiming for scalable solutions for rising seas and extreme weather. Maldives Oil & Minerals Regulation: Maldives moves to regulate oil and mineral exploration, setting a framework as the country weighs development with environmental safeguards.

Health Infrastructure: Maldives’ Ministry of Health laid the foundation stone for a Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé, funded by the ADB’s APVAX project, to safely store vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies and strengthen readiness for future outbreaks. Public Health Alert: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health detected dengue virus in a wastewater sample from Hilo, with no active cases currently tracked; officials say dengue remains a travel-associated risk in the state. Climate & Energy for Islands: A design challenge led by the International Solar Alliance and RIBA is inviting students to rethink how climate-resilient solar panels can be built into tourism architecture in Fiji, the Maldives and Mauritius—aimed at low-lying island vulnerability. Coral Hope for South Asia: A new global reef report flags South Asia as a rare bright spot, with hard coral cover rising in recent decades—where the Maldives accounts for nearly 59% of the region’s reef extent. Marine Conservation & Tourism Value: Kandooma’s Manta Month highlights new research valuing reef manta tourism in the Maldives, reinforcing why protecting manta rays benefits both ecosystems and local livelihoods.

Climate & Energy in the Pacific: Australia is defending its pre-COP31 climate push in Fiji and Tuvalu, even as only a small set of leaders (including the Maldives) have confirmed attendance, with the focus on the Pacific’s rising climate risks. Renewables for islands: Australia also announced funding for Palau’s solar battery upgrades, aiming to cut diesel use and boost renewable power—an example of how small states are trying to harden energy systems. Maldives solar design call: Students are invited to submit ideas for climate-resilient solar panels integrated into tourism architecture in Fiji, the Maldives and Mauritius, with submissions due 31 October. Coral recovery signal: A new report highlights South Asia as a rare bright spot for coral recovery, with the Maldives contributing most of the region’s reef extent. Marine conservation value: Kandooma’s Manta Month continues with a conservation message backed by new research valuing manta ray tourism to the Maldives. Local environment policy: Maldives fisheries fuel subsidies are being tightened via the Fahi Hakatha portal, pushing fishermen to register to access subsidised fuel. Public health watch: Hawaiʻi DOH detected dengue virus in wastewater, noting dengue risk is spreading across parts of the Pacific and beyond.

Coral Recovery Watch: A new global reef report flags South Asia as a rare bright spot, with hard coral cover rising 16.2% from 1997–2009 to 2020–2024, and the Maldives contributing nearly 59% of the region’s reef area—good news, but still under pressure from repeated marine heatwaves. Climate Diplomacy (Pacific): Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is defending the pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu after criticism over low leader turnout, while the Maldives is listed among confirmed attendees—alongside solar and grid upgrades for Palau to cut diesel use. Island Energy & Resilience: A design challenge with RIBA invites students to embed climate-resilient solar panels into tourism architecture across Fiji, the Maldives and Mauritius, aiming for scalable solutions for low-lying coasts. Marine Conservation & Value: Kandooma’s Manta Month spotlights manta ray protection, citing research that values manta tourism at hundreds of millions annually for the Maldives. Fisheries Fuel Support: Maldives moves to make oil subsidy access mandatory via the Fahi Hakatha portal, with fuel allocations by vessel size and expanded diesel supply points. Safety at Home: Two separate Hulhumale’ incidents claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl, renewing calls for stronger child safety measures. Infrastructure Update: The Thilamalé Bridge is designed for 120 years with major maintenance expected about once every 20 years, built for Maldives’ harsh marine conditions.