Dr Aishath Rameela, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, has emphasized the critical challenge of limited financial resources for small countries like the Maldives in transitioning to more sustainable food production and consumption practices.
Her remarks came during a ministerial meeting at the 37th Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Minister Rameela participated as a panelist in a special session focused on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). The panel explored the challenges faced by these nations in achieving food security amidst environmental pressures and resource constraints.
Additionally, as the top representative for the Maldives at the conference, Minister Rameela presented a ‘Country Statement’ addressing the nation’s specific agricultural and fisheries situation. She outlined the obstacles hindering further development in these sectors, highlighting how existing legislation doesn’t adequately address certain challenges. The Minister also emphasized the need for regional cooperation and assistance to bolster these critical areas of the Maldivian economy.
During discussions focused on sustainable food systems, Minister Rameela stressed that insufficient financial resources pose the most significant barrier for small nations like the Maldives in realizing this transition. She appealed to wealthier countries for increased support to help the Maldives and other small island states in their efforts.
The biennial FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, a major forum addressing food and agriculture issues within the region, is scheduled to convene in Pakistan next year.
