The Maldives has emphasized that Small States should more aptly called “Large Ocean States”. This was highlighted by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, Former President who is attending the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly as Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Maldives.
Speaking at the high-level event entitled: “Healthy Oceans & Seas: Paving the Way Towards a Sustainable Development Goal”, President Waheed briefed the audience on the work undertaken by the Maldives in the preservation of the oceans and seas. He highlighted Maldives’ sustainable method of pole and line fishing as a tradition that has been maintained for time immemorial. In the conservation of sharks, Maldives has implemented a shark sanctuary in its territorial waters since 2010. Moreover, on a journey to expand area-based conservation measures, the entire Baa Atoll of the Maldives was declared as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
In his statement, President Waheed commended the leadership of the small island states in its advocacy towards the finalization of a stand alone goal on oceans and seas under the Sustainable Development Goals within the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
The special event convened by Palau, Italy and Monaco heard statements from the Mr. Tommy Remengesau, President of Palau and Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Small Island States should more aptly be called Large Ocean States- President Waheed
