hajam.ai
22 September 2026

Environment

On the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 22 September 2026 and discussed climate resilience and debt sustainability. Relevant authorities have compiled a special report regarding the illegal felling of two palm groves. Authorities have released the latest updates on the "Beautiful Maldives" event underway in AA. Ukulhas. In an effort to protect the environment of Th. Guraidhoo, the island council has now begun preparing for practical work to conserve the island's wetland.

On 22 September 2026, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef held important discussions with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on overcoming challenges related to climate change and collaborating in the environmental sector. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly held in New York, USA. During these discussions, the importance of enhancing international cooperation to overcome the threats faced by small island states due to climate change was highlighted.

This report, released on 22 September 2026, details the circumstances surrounding an incident where two coconut palms were felled. The report sheds light on the reasons that led to the felling of the two palms and the procedures followed in the matter. Furthermore, the report highlights the relevant authorities' inquiries into the case and provides comprehensive investigative details on how the incident occurred.

In the special update of "Beautiful Maldives" conducted on September 22, 2026, in AA. Ukulhas, the latest information on the island's natural beauty and efforts to protect the environment was revealed. Under this initiative, details of the plans to enhance the cleanliness of Ukulhas and to further improve and beautify the island's environment for tourism were provided. In addition, this update shared the latest information on key community-led efforts aimed at sustaining the island's beauty and developing it in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.

The Island Council has prepared to undertake special efforts to protect the mangrove area in Th. Guraidhoo, which is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity. On 22 September 2026, the council decided to take necessary measures to protect and sustain this area, which is an important part of the island's environment, from destruction. In this regard, arrangements are being made to formulate a plan in collaboration with relevant authorities to stop waste dumping that harms the mangrove's biodiversity and to prevent alterations to the natural habitat. The main purpose of this work is to ensure environmental protection in Guraidhoo for future generations and to preserve the island's natural beauty in its most complete state.

Environment on other days

Recent Days →

Also in this edition

Politics

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided not to contest the MDP primary for the upcoming 2028 presidential election and to endorse former Vice President Faisal Naseem. The MDP has decided to hold its upcoming congress open to the public. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom challenged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to contest the election and questioned whether this administration is an Islamic government. On behalf of the government, President Muizzu was described as a leader who understands the sentiments of the people. A delegation of PNC Members of Parliament departed for Pakistan on an official visit. Following the case filed at the Civil Court by Thai national Kanokporn Thavongna, who was detained for deportation from the Maldives, the court dismissed the case after Immigration released her. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom marked 20 years since he first addressed the UN General Assembly in the Dhivehi language.

Economy

To develop the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project in Rasmale, an agreement valued between 12 billion and 20 billion dollars has been signed by Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Eagle Hills company. The Ministry of Fisheries officially contracted the establishment of a 200-metric-ton fish cold storage facility in Th. Hirilandhoo to SJ Construction on 22 September 2026. The government has stated that the tourism industry will undergo changes due to new tax and foreign exchange policies. A special survey has now commenced to assess the income and expenditure of households in the Greater Male' area.

Health

Three people were reported to have died from cancer in the Maldives over the past six days on 22 September 2026, including 36-year-old Ali Shahumy (Alikko), a member of the racing community who passed away while undergoing treatment for bone cancer in India. Furthermore, the other two deceased are Abdulla Jameel, 55, from Th. Thimarafushi, and Aishath Fakhriyya, 29, from B. Dharavandhoo, who passed away after battling stage four cervical cancer. Statistics from the official registry show that more than 1,600 people are registered with cancer, and while at least 1,106 new cases were recorded between 2020 and 2025, no official research has yet been conducted to identify the causes behind the increase in this disease.