Shauna shifts stance, criticizes EPA's ministry governance

Former Environment Minister Aiminath Shauna has voiced significant concerns regarding the renaming of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) and its placement under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

Shauna expressed her reservations on X, specifically addressing the government's unilateral amendments to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations and policy. She emphasized that structural changes of this magnitude, undertaken without a credible consultative process, constitute a grave issue.

The independence of the EPA was a key presidential promise of the previous administration, led by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, under whom Shauna served as Environment Minister. Despite holding a parliamentary majority, the government was unable to fully establish the EPA's independence during its tenure.

In 2023, when questioned in parliament about the delay in achieving EPA independence, Shauna had stated that no country separates environmental oversight from executive power. She asserted that such agencies are typically governed by a president or an environment minister, aligning with prevailing government policies. She further noted that in countries lacking an environment ministry, the EPA's role is expansive and its responsibilities are substantial.

"This is being done because the country's development and environment are not things that can be separated," Shauna stated in parliament during the 2023 questioning.

The govt’s attempts to weaken @EPAMaldives oversight by unilaterally amending EIA regulations and policy to make structural changes without a credible consultative process is worrying. Another sign of the Muizzu administration’s complete disregard for the rule of law.

— Shauna Aminath ????❓ (@anuahsa) August 12, 2025

Shauna's recent X post has elicited a strong reaction from netizens, with speculation emerging that the current government's actions mirror intentions of the previous administration.

Amidst the introduction of amendments perceived to undermine EPA's powers and rumors of the agency's disbandment and transfer to the environment ministry, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment initially denied the circulating media reports, clarifying that the EPA was not being abolished but rather undergoing a name change and administrative regulatory adjustments.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, under whose tenure the EPA was established, has also expressed concern over the ministry's decision. "I believe the EPA of Maldives must remain independent for the government’s environmental policies to retain credibility. Dissolving it and moving its work into the tourism ministry would be misguided," Nasheed stated.

Environmental advocates have similarly raised objections, with some characterizing the move as a complete elimination of the EPA. Others have argued that the EPA has historically experienced influence from the Environment Ministry, and this recent shift would intensify that influence.