President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that if we do not do right by our earth and become better stewards of nature's gifts, we will face similar and possibly worse consequences than COVID-19 in the future.

The Maldivian President made the remark at the United Nations Biodiversity Summit held virtually at the UN headquarters in New York, USA yesterday.

In his address, President Solih said that COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease to which humanity was exposed by our continued disrespect for the boundaries of nature.

“It is up to us whether we harness our scientific knowledge and technological prowess for destructive ends, that yield short term profit, or to implement sustainable development strategies that are viable in the long term.” President Solih said.

The President highlighted that the Maldives takes its climate commitments seriously, and that it will continue to engage with our global partners to preserve biodiversity and address the climate emergency. He reiterated that this initiative provides a model that other small island states can use to develop sustainably by conserving eco-rich areas, phasing out single-use plastics and rapidly transiting to renewable energy.

Citing the alarming fact that over 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean every year, the President emphasized that the Maldives is deeply concerned by plastic pollution, especially in the ocean.

“Such concerns are what led us to become a founder and co-chair of the Group of Friends to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution, and why, as the President mentioned, the Administration is committed to delivering on its pledge to phase out single use plastic by the year 2023.” President said.