Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has voiced strong concern over the government’s decision to place the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, describing it as a step backwards in protecting the country’s natural resources.
The EPA was renamed the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) under a Presidential Directive, removing oversight by its previous governing board. According to the government, the restructuring aims to better reflect the agency’s core responsibilities and strengthen its ability to regulate environmental matters effectively.
In a post on X, Faisal warned that environmental issues are “more sensitive than immediate decisions for political purposes” and said the change could lead to negative impact, creating conflicts of interest. He stressed that tourism — the Maldives’ most important industry — depends on a healthy environment, and the EPA should remain independent to safeguard ecosystems.
Opposition MDP leaders have also expressed concern over the decision.
The EPA was renamed the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) under a Presidential Directive, removing oversight by its previous governing board. According to the government, the restructuring aims to better reflect the agency’s core responsibilities and strengthen its ability to regulate environmental matters effectively.
In a post on X, Faisal warned that environmental issues are “more sensitive than immediate decisions for political purposes” and said the change could lead to negative impact, creating conflicts of interest. He stressed that tourism — the Maldives’ most important industry — depends on a healthy environment, and the EPA should remain independent to safeguard ecosystems.
Opposition MDP leaders have also expressed concern over the decision.
