Young activists in the Maldives confront climate threats to their island nation

By

ADDU CITY, Maldives (AP) — A group of young people in the Maldives recently paddled kayaks to protest land reclamation work that was cutting through protected mangrove wetlands in a UNESCO biosphere reserve, even spray-painting “ECOCIDE” on a reclaimed patch.The nonprofit Project ThimaaVeshi, which means “self and surroundings,” is part of a new generation of activists in the Indian Ocean island nation tackling issues that are part of their daily lives: coastal erosion, plastic pollution and development-damaged ecosystems.In Addu City in the south, the activists have focused on overdevelopment, documenting the impact on wetlands and reefs. In the capital, Male, others are tackling the plastic waste suffocating streets, hangout spots and swimming areas.

A participant holds a sign as part of Project ThimaaVeshi, a youth-led demonstration against ongoing reclamation project damaging mangroves off the coast of Addu City, Maldives, June 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Sophia Nasif)

A demonstrator holds a sign while participating in an action as part of Project ThimaaVeshi, a youth-led protest against ongoing reclamation projects damaging mangroves, in Addu City, Maldives, June 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Sophia Nasif)