President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated his commitment to uphold a sustainable environment for all forms of journalism, adapting alongside modern technological advancements.

Commemorating the World Press Freedom Day, President Dr. Muizzu conveyed felicitations to all media organisations, recognising the pivotal role media plays for the development and progress of the nation. The president observed the relentless endeavours of journalists in sourcing and sharing reliable information, heightening public consciousness, acting as a bridge between the government and the public, addressing public inquiries to the government while amplifying the voices of citizens.

Furthermore, President Dr. Muizzu revealed his top priority on engaging in meetings and dialogues with journalists. The president assured that the opinions of journalists will be taken in to consideration, aiming to align the expectations of media outlets meets with that of reality.

Observing that financial constraints as a primary challenge faced by the media, the government has taken the initiative to allocate a portion of the budget to support media organisations. President Dr. Muizzu expressed confidence that this initiative will be implemented soon, pending approval from Parliament. Moreover, the presiden unveiled plans to establish a Media Village tailored to accommodate media administrative bodies, enhance educational and training prospects across various domains, and bolster connections with international organisations.

Additionally, President Dr. Muizzu stressed the significance of the provision of credible information, cautioning that it will negatively impact the society otherwise.

Source(s): PsmNews

The coral bleaching alert level in the Maldives has been raised from ‘watch’ to ‘warning’, with the Maldives Marine Research Institute warning it may soon rise further to the highest alert level in the north and southern Maldives.

Coral bleaching is when corals turn white due to various stressors. However, the leading cause of coral bleaching is climate change.

The world is currently experiencing the fourth global coral bleaching event, and the second one within the span of the year.

The MMRI said in a statement that it is now receiving reports of widespread coral bleaching across the Maldives.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which runs a Coral Reef Program, the latest satellite images show the bleaching alert level in the Maldives is now at ‘warning’ level – the third highest warning level – up from ‘watch’ just a month ago.

The MMRI warned that the alert level is expected to rise to ‘alert level 1’ within one week.

“It is also possible that areas in the north and south of Maldives will reach ‘alert level 2’,” warned the institute.

Maldives experienced its first widespread coral bleaching incident in 1998.

According to MMRI, such incidents have increased in frequency.

The institute also warned that human activities may impede coral recovery.

“While Maldives’ corals recover faster after bleaching incidents compared to other countries, the impact of human activities at such a time could slow down recovery and even obstruct it,” warned the institute.

Human activities that may impede coral recovery include dredging, land reclamation and beach nourishment.

“Such activities have a negative impact on coral reef ecosystems, even if it’s is just temporary,” said the MMRI.

“We urge all parties to suspend activities that may raise coral stress level, amid forecasts of coral bleaching incidents due to the warming ocean temperature.”

MMRI also urged all parties to report coral bleach incidents to the institute.

Source(s): sun.mv

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced the sale of land from Phase I and Phase II of the industrial island of Thilafushi, exclusively for Maldivian citizens.

Total 108 plots are available for industrial purposes from Thilafushi Zone A, Area B.

• Type 1: 2,500-4,999 square feet, 64 plots
• Type 2: 5,000-9,999 square feet, 42 plots
• Type 3: 10,000-14,999 square feet, 2 plots

The sale of land will be carried out in two phases; the submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) and, in cases where a plot receives more than one EOI, it will go to bidding.

The minimum bid price is MVR 1,700 per square feet.

Interested parties can submit their bids via HDC’s portal or via email to sales@hdc.mv.

Meanwhile, the opportunity has also been opened for parties who have leased land from Phase I of Thilafushi to purchase the plot. The opportunity is open for parties who have leased land the size of 5,000 square feet or more.

Thilafushi is being developed as the main industrial and business hub in the greater Male’ region.

Source(s): sun.mv