Maldives President Abdulla Yameen wants to create mass tourism and mega-developments on the island instead of having sustainable energy to generate money to fight climate change.
Reports are circulating that the president is negotiating to sell Faafu Atoll, which consists of 19 coral islands, reefs and lagoons to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz for $10 Billion.
Buying the atoll could attract more tourists because of the development the government plans with the Faafu, turning it into a Riviera-style super-resort with sea sports, six-star hotels, high-end housing and several new airports, The Guardian reports. Although Yameen has denied the deal, he explained that it would "feature the Maldives on the world chart more boldly than anything else."
Meanwhile, about a third of the inhabited islands of Maldives will be abandoned for people to relocate in larger isles. The development of Faafu will let the locals have easier access to schools, hospitals, and facilities.
At the same time, Housing Minister Mohamed Muizzu said they want to develop better living conditions in the islands within a small period. The islands left by the locals will also be turned into a tourist destination by bidding it to developers.
The notion of having mass tourism and mega-developments is backed by the Office of the Director of the government's Marine Research Centre. Director Shiham Adam said that tourism and resort development would save Maldives as the island needs money to survive.
However, many have opposed the idea, saying that mass tourism will only bring negative impacts in the islands. The government dismissed the notion of the immediate sea level rises that will swallow the island by 2100. It acknowledges the fact though they will increase carbon emissions to bring millions of tourists each year.
They argued the fact that Maldives only emit about 0.003% of global emissions, and the island has the right to develop like those in the US and Europe.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
