Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has departed for France to represent the Maldives at the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference. 

The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference will be held from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France.

Minister Shiyam is scheduled to deliver an address during the opening session of the conference on behalf of the Maldives. In his speech, he will spotlight the country’s sustainable fishing practices and the proactive efforts of a small island nation to safeguard its marine environment. He is also expected to outline the challenges the Maldives faces in sustaining these practices amid environmental and economic pressures.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, one of the key messages Minister Shiyam will advocate is the urgent need for greater international recognition of countries that manage their marine resources sustainably while protecting fragile ecosystems.

He will also call for increased international funding for marine and environmental protection and propose the establishment of special privileges for environmentally vulnerable nations, such as the Maldives, which are already implementing robust measures for sustainability and conservation.

He will also emphasize the importance of recognising the Maldives’ tuna as one of the most environmentally sustainable fishing methods. However, he will note that the country continues to face some of the highest tariff burdens among small island and fish-exporting nations, posing major challenges to fair competition in global fish markets.

 In his address, the Minister will call for greater international attention to the need for tariff structures that support and incentivise sustainable fishing practices.

As part of its initiative, the Maldives will also host a special session on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the session will feature in-depth discussions and expert exchanges focused on advancing small-scale fisheries in countries like the Maldives. Industry experts are expected to present proposals on national and international strategies to ensure these fisheries are sustainably developed through well-planned, effectively operated, and properly managed systems.