by ENRICO GAVEGLIA
Climate change-hit Maldives showing ‘Blue Economy’ opportunities are as vast and profound as the ocean itself
The Maldives’ ocean ecosystem has cared for, fed and employed its population for centuries. It has propelled the country into a top luxury tourism hotspot, with one of the highest blue economy ratios worldwide, accounting for over 36% of its total GDP.
This strong connection between the environment, its people and the economy is critical for the Maldives. Already battling the recurring effects of climate change, an increase in temperature of just 1.5 to 2 degrees could mean the difference between existing as a nation and being a memory on the world map.
Against all odds, the Maldives has pioneered a development model centered around some core elements of the Blue Economy.
Its tourism industry, offering luxurious holiday accommodations and increasingly affordable holiday huts perched above turquoise waters, relies on thriving island ecosystems and marine life, contributing directly to over 30% of its GDP and over 80% of foreign exchange earnings: the sustainability of the industry rests entirely on the beauty and health of its marine and ocean ecosystems.
The Maldives tuna fishery, which has sustained the country for centuries, uses a traditional pole and line technique, taking the industry from a small-scale operation to a globally renowned exporter of sustainably caught tuna today.
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