Report: Soodh
The opening ceremony of Ninth Inter Governmental Meeting on Male’ Declaration on Control and Prevention of Its Likely Trans boundary Effect for South Asia and the 4th Stake holders Meeting was held at Dharubaaruge yesterday afternoon. Male’ Declaration is an agreement which calls for the reduction of pollution in the atmosphere and to minimize the problems caused by the effects of Trans boundary pollution. In addition to Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Iran are all signatories to this declaration. The declaration was signed in Male’ in year 1998.
Speaking at the ceremony Minister of Environment, Energy and Water Ahmed Abdulla said that Maldives is one of the countries which emit least amount of pollutants to the atmosphere.
However the impact of emissions from other countries in the region is felt greatly. In this regard he noted according to a survey conducted under the name Indian Ocean Experiments, 10 million square kilometers of our atmosphere is polluted. He expressed concern over the ill effects this has on our health and says that this Declaration is an important step forward to curb such pollution. Highlighting on the successes of the declaration he called for more cooperation in human resource development.
Minister Abdulla also said Maldives will host a conference with small island nations to discuss climatic changes and to study and identify common issues and problems. During this meeting discussions will also be held on steps that may taken to counter measure such problems.
In closing his address , Minister thanked the UNEP, Stockholm Environment Institute and Sweden International Cooperation Development Agency for their support and assistance.
The meeting will be continued in Bandos Island Resort from 2 – 3 October.VELIDHOO COMMUNITY
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