Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leaders have strongly criticised the government’s decision to restructure the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), renaming it the Environmental Regulation Authority and placing it directly under the Ministry of Environment. Previously, the EPA operated with advice from an independent governing board.
The President’s Office said the change is intended to “strengthen and expedite the agency’s work” and ensure its name accurately reflects its functions.
However, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail condemned the move as “a major step backward for environmental protection,” arguing that it strips the EPA of its independence and hands excessive control to the president. “This will create a negative perception among investors, weaken governance, and make environmental decision-making more politicised,” he said.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed also raised concerns, stressing that “an independent EPA is critical for the credibility of the Maldives’ environmental policies.” He warned that dismantling its autonomy could undermine the country’s environmental commitments.
MDP President Abdulla Shahid said the decision negates "decades of work done in this country on protecting our environment for future generations; it diminishes the good work we have done over many decades internationally, and the reputation and trust we have cultivated, on climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development.”
The President’s Office said the change is intended to “strengthen and expedite the agency’s work” and ensure its name accurately reflects its functions.
However, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail condemned the move as “a major step backward for environmental protection,” arguing that it strips the EPA of its independence and hands excessive control to the president. “This will create a negative perception among investors, weaken governance, and make environmental decision-making more politicised,” he said.
The move by the gov to abolish rhe EPA and transfer its responsibilities to the Ministry of Tourism is a major step backward in our efforts to protect the environment and maintain a balance between development and conservation. While there is always room to review and improve…
— Fayyaz Ismail (@faya_i) August 12, 2025
Former President Mohamed Nasheed also raised concerns, stressing that “an independent EPA is critical for the credibility of the Maldives’ environmental policies.” He warned that dismantling its autonomy could undermine the country’s environmental commitments.
I believe the @EPAMaldives must remain independent for the Government’s environmental policies to retain credibility. Dissolving it & moving its work into the tourism ministry would be misguided.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) August 12, 2025
MDP President Abdulla Shahid said the decision negates "decades of work done in this country on protecting our environment for future generations; it diminishes the good work we have done over many decades internationally, and the reputation and trust we have cultivated, on climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development.”
The Maldives has consistently advocated for strong safeguards on the environment, vested in the strong belief that development must not occur at the expense of environmental protection.
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) August 12, 2025
The decision to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency taken by President Muizzu’s…
