The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology, in collaboration with UNDP, has kicked off the Inception Workshop for the revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This workshop is a key component of the Early Action Support for the Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support (GBF-EAS) project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which in the Maldives aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts in the Maldives.

At the workshop’s opening ceremony, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted the critical need for a "whole-of-government" approach in achieving biodiversity targets. He stressed that biodiversity conservation cannot be siloed; it requires coordinated action across all sectors, with biodiversity considerations integrated into national development plans and policies.

This workshop serves as a platform for key stakeholders from government, civil society, and development partners to come together, share knowledge, and discuss actionable steps for revising the NBSAP. It is an important milestone in the Maldives' ongoing efforts to align its national biodiversity strategy with global frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

With support from UNDP, the workshop will guide the development of a more robust NBSAP, ensuring that the Maldives can continue its leadership in biodiversity protection while balancing sustainable development. This initiative also underscores the commitment of both the government and UNDP to work together in addressing the global biodiversity crisis and promoting long-term environmental sustainability.