Maldives engages with regional partners to mitigate haze, advance long-term solutions

The Maldivian government says it is engaging with regional and international partners to mitigate the impact of the haze which has been blanketing the country for months, and advance long-term solutions for improved air quality.

While haze is common with the onset of the Iruvai Monsoon, it usually lasts only a couple of weeks. But this time around, the Maldives has been battling haze with only brief respites since December, endangering public health.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said that the Maldivian government considers the seasonal haze conditions as a national priority due to their impact on public health, environmental quality, and economic sustainability.

“The Government acknowledges public concern regarding current haze conditions and emphasizes that sustained exposure to transboundary air pollution poses risks to public health, community wellbeing, and the tourism-dependent economy,” added the Foreign Ministry.

The Foreign Ministry said the situation reflects broader transboundary atmospheric conditions across South Asia, where seasonal wind movements and regional emissions contribute to the transport of air pollutants.

The Maldives’s geographic characteristics and high population concentration within a limited land area make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes originating beyond its borders, stressed the Foreign Ministry.

The Foreign Ministry said it is working to strengthen and advance international efforts to address transboundary air pollution through scientific collaboration, data exchange, and sustained dialogue.

“The Government of Maldives will continue to engage with regional and international partners to mitigate current impacts and advance long-term solutions for improved air quality and environmental resilience,” reads the statement.

The Foreign Ministry said that as a Small Island Developing State, the Maldives is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Unlike mist or fog, haze is caused by fine particles in the air, which pollute the air and reduce visibility.

The Maldives usually faces haze during December and January, when the Hulhangu Monsoon transitions into Iruvai Monsoon.

Environmental analysts have warned the issue has become more severe in recent years, mainly due to industrial pollution from neighboring countries.