Invited by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (Six Senses Laamu), Peter Macreadie recently visited the Maldives to support local efforts to highlight the ecosystem services provided by coastal wetlands.

Similar to several Indo-Pacific islands, Maldives is committed to building a strong business case to protect tropical coastal wetlands given their importance for fish production, coastal protection, water purification and carbon storage (i.e., Blue Carbon).

However, being one of the lowest- countries on earth, Maldives is very susceptible to the effects of sea level rise and climate change. Investing in nature-based solutions is a priority to mitigate and adapt to extreme weather events.

Pete’s visit helped raise awareness on the value of marine ecosystems and the importance of their protection.

‘While many seagrass meadows around the world are being removed to obtain white-sandy tourist beaches, local communities in the Maldive are learning to protect their extensive seagrass meadows’.  ‘They now understand these ecosystems hold the key to successful fish production, carbon storage, and coastal protection’ Peter said.

During the visit Peter worked closely with local communities. He trained team members of the Maldives Underwater Initiative in the monitoring of mangroves and seagrass beds, as well as in the collection and processing of soil cores. Soil samples will be used to calculate the carbon storage potential of these coastal ecosystems.

The visit to Maldives finalised with several presentations to local groups, resort visitors, and a meeting with the Maldivian Ministers of Environment (Dr Hussain R. Hassan) and State (Dr. Abdulla Naseer).

Peter’s tweet recap from the Maldives trip: