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Project to tackle nitrogen pollution in the Maldives launched
23 September 2024
A new initiative to address nitrogen pollution in the marine environment of the Maldives, in which Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is a partner, has been launched by Maldives National University.
The Maldives is globally important as a biodiversity hotspot. Its valuable but delicate coral reef systems are the seventh largest in the world and home to over 180 coral species, which in turn provide refuge for copious other marine species. However, these important habitats are under threat as a combined result of climate change and nitrogen pollution.
Although nitrogen is vital for our environment, too much can lead to problems. The current level of nitrogen input into the environment is putting health, climate, ecosystems and livelihoods at risk across the world, and it is recognised as one of the nine planetary boundaries we have now crossed.
Nitrogen pollution in the marine environment can cause harmful algal blooms, excessive growth of non-beneficial plants and oxygen ‘dead’ zones, all of which can have devastating consequences for marine environments. Degradation of reefs like those around the Maldives can also lead to wide social and economic impacts, including a loss in important fisheries, a possible decline in tourism revenue and negative impacts on human health through poor drinking water and air quality.
Sources of excess nitrogen can come from untreated sewage produced by highly-populated areas and tourist resorts, as well as through the mismanagement of fertilizers in agriculture, via run-off and seepage into groundwater. An increasing population, changes in consumption patterns, and growing tourism are all contributing to a dramatic increase in nitrogen pollution in the region, which desperately needs to be addressed.
This new project, named ‘Sustainable Nitrogen Management for a Clean & Healthy Ocean: Maldives as a Small Island Developing States (SIDS) regional catalyst (CHOMA)’, is one of 12 projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which aims to address the impacts of nitrogen pollution on marine life around the coral reefs and seagrass habitats of the Maldives.
The project is exploring solutions to address the systemic problem of nitrogen pollution across society, offering system-wide benefits for the whole of the Maldives relating to cleaner water, cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The project includes the development of educational resources, engagement with policymakers, development of financial structures, as well as specific interventions to reduce nitrogen pollution.
One such intervention is on the Madives island Thoddoo, where the project is looking to install the first fully-operational novel plasma treatment system for recycling wastewater, turning it into liquid fertiliser. The intervention will help solve the current practice of discharging untreated sewage, high in nitrogen, onto the sensitive coral reefs. The recycling unit will take wastewater from guests houses and domestic properties, and produce a bacteria-free, (almost) odourless liquid fertiliser that can be used by the islands’ farmers to grow crops.
The Head of the Thoddoo Council Mr Ahmed Karam said:
“Thoddoo community would benefit greatly from the project, we have raised our concerns with the authorities about the contamination of ground water due to sewage and farming activities. The proposed project will aid us in replenishing ground water and reduce the use of artificial nutrients in farming”.
The project team, including PML’s Senior Environmental Economist Dr Olivia Rendón, visited Thoddoo in August to undertake community discussions about the new intervention and to take baseline measurements of groundwater quality.
Dr Rendón commented:
“We are delighted to be part of this important and comprehensive project that will help address the issue of nitrogen pollution in the Maldives. The Maldives has such a rich natural environment and 99% of their territory is actually ocean so they have a high dependence on coral reefs for their economy and local livelihoods. We are eager to help protect it for the future prosperity and wellbeing of the islands, and with further development, other regions around the world that are facing similar issues.”
“It is tremendously valuable to meet and spend time with the local stakeholders, both in the government at national level and also those living and working on the different islands. It not only gives us deep insights into the country’s governance, infrastructure, economy and culture, but also provides a critical engagement opportunity to encourage collaboration, buy-in and empowerment of stakeholder at all levels”.
Other outputs of the project will include a development of a first ‘National Nitrogen Action Plan’ for the Maldives, establish a path to investments through ‘Nitro-Finance’, and undertake awareness raising campaigns on nitrogen issues via community and education activities.
Q&A with Dr. Olivia Rendón
How does nitrogen pollution impact the marine ecosystems in the Maldives?
Nitrogen is a component that we need in the natural cycles but when it’s in an excess it can cause a lot of problems. Nitrogen pollution creates hypoxic environments, or low levels of oxygen, in the marine ecosystems. This can eventually cause diseases and death of coral reefs, seagrasses, and other marine life – even leading to what is known as “dead zones”. High nitrogen levels also have implications for the health of human and other animals.
What are the key sources of nitrogen pollution in the Maldives?
The main sources of nitrogen pollution in the Maldives are land-based, such as sewage, agriculture, industry, and municipal sources, which are going straight into the ocean. There has been a high rate of increase in tourism, which is great for the economy, but unfortunately it’s causing increased sewage. There are also agricultural islands in the Maldives with excess nitrogen being used, and all the excess nitrogen ends up leaching into the groundwater and eventually into the marine environment.
What are some of the key initiatives planned as part of this project?
The project has several components. We’ll be working at the policy level to develop a national action plan on nitrogen management. We’ll also be integrating nitrogen knowledge into school curricula and universities, as well as conducting research on the impacts of nitrogen on coral reefs. Specifically, as an environmental economist, I’ll be looking at how people trade off different options for managing nitrogen pollution, comparing nature-based solutions versus more top-down approaches.
Why is stakeholder engagement so important for this project?
Stakeholder engagement is crucial because the local people are the ones who know their environment best and will be living with the outcomes of this project. We’ve found that a lot of people are not even aware of the problem of nitrogen pollution, as it’s an “invisible” issue. By engaging with the island councils, women’s committees, farmer groups, and other local stakeholders, we can raise awareness, get them involved in the project, and empower them to make the best decisions for their islands and communities.
How has your personal background and experience influenced your involvement in this project?
As an environmental economist who grew up in a developing country, this project is very personal for me. I’ve seen these types of environmental issues firsthand, and I find it extremely important to help countries like the Maldives, which are small island developing states, to deal with these problems. The Maldives’ economy and local livelihoods are heavily dependent on the health of their marine ecosystems, and nitrogen pollution is threatening that. I’m passionate about using my expertise to help raise awareness, offer solutions, and empower the local communities to take action.
What are your hopes for the long-term impact of this project in the Maldives?
Ultimately, my hope is that the Maldivian people will become fully aware of the threats posed by nitrogen pollution and that they will actively support and participate in the initiatives to reduce this pollution. I would like to see the Maldives adopt sustainable nitrogen management practices, reduce the pollution in their oceans, and implement more nature-based solutions. If we can pilot successful projects, such as converting sewage into usable fertilizer on the islands, I believe we can set the Maldives on a path towards clean and healthy oceans that support their economy and local livelihoods.