In a significant move to streamline governance and promote sustainable growth, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has merged the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism to create the new Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The restructuring, which underscores the government’s commitment to integrating environmental stewardship with its tourism strategy, was announced during a ceremony held at the President’s Office today.
At the ceremony, Thoriq Ibrahim took the oath of office before Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, formally marking the beginning of his tenure as the head of the newly formed ministry. Following the oath, President Muizzu presented Ibrahim with his ministerial appointment letter, signaling a new chapter in the nation’s approach to sustainable development.
In a subsequent meeting, President Muizzu and Minister Ibrahim discussed the strategic vision for the ministry. The President emphasized the importance of leveraging the Maldives’ rich environmental heritage to boost its tourism sector, stating, “Our integrated approach will not only enhance our national image but also drive sustainable growth by preserving our natural resources while promoting tourism.”
This reorganization follows recent political developments, notably the dismissal of former Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal last Tuesday. The merger of the two ministries and the appointment of Thoriq Ibrahim highlight the administration’s resolve to create synergies between environmental conservation and economic development, ensuring that policy decisions reflect the interconnected nature of these vital sectors.