Rasmalé Is Being Reclaimed Above Expected Future Sea-Level Rise, President Muizzu Tells UN Climate Session in Türkiye

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that Rasmalé, which is being developed as a low-carbon eco-city generating electricity from renewable energy, is an island being reclaimed to a height greater than the level at which the sea is expected to rise in the future. The President said this while speaking at the "C-Level Rais: Multi-Level Action for Coastal Resilience" session held in Türkiye by the United Nations Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM). Speaking at this session, the President said that climate vulnerability is not something that will determine the Maldives' future based on that factor alone. He also reiterated the Maldives' commitment to protecting the country's islands and people from the danger of sea-level rise, and noted that sea-level rise is not only an immediate challenge to development but also a major threat to the Maldives' survival. Highlighting the importance of the Maldives' land and islands, the President said that the country's islands are not just land, but are the homes, history, and identity of Maldivians. Therefore, he stated that even the loss of a small amount of the Maldives' land is something that would have an unavoidable impact on the nation's independence, heritage, and future, and noted that protecting the right of Maldivians to live on their own islands is one of the matters given the highest national priority. Referring to the efforts being made by the Maldives to adapt to climate change, the President said that the government is working to protect the reefs and lagoons that naturally shield the islands, and to protect the beaches. In addition, the President also noted the importance of facilitating easy access for communities to the information and financial assistance needed for such work carried out at island level. Looking at the work done at the national level, the President described Hulhumalé as an important investment made for the Maldives' climate safety through reclamation at height. He said that the work being carried out along with the Rasmalé project symbolises the vision being pursued to make the Maldives a fully developed nation by the year 2040, by incorporating climate resilience into national development. At the same time, he noted the importance of including climate adaptation efforts in main development plans, rather than taking steps only after disasters occur. Noting the importance of including 'climate mobility' in plans prepared for climate change adaptation, the President called for adequate, sustainable and easily accessible financial assistance. Noting that assistance for climate adaptation must be received as free aid rather than as charity, he stated that it is a matter linked to climate justice. Concluding his remarks, the President reiterated the commitment made to protect the Maldives' islands so as to provide future generations the opportunity to live and progress on their forefathers' land.