Corruption has real consequences for people and the environment — influencing how islands are leased, how environmental decisions are taken, and how climate-related projects are implemented. These links were the focus of the Civil Society Dialogue on UNCAC and Environmental Governance, held in the Maldives in 2025.

The one-day dialogue brought together civil society organisations from across the country alongside key oversight institutions to examine how integrity and accountability affect environmental governance. Discussions centred on the application of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in the Maldivian context, and how gaps in systems and oversight can lead to the misuse of public resources, particularly in environmental and climate-related initiatives.

Participants reflected on the role civil society can play in promoting transparency, strengthening accountability, and building public trust — especially in areas such as island leasing, environmental approvals, and climate financing.

The dialogue was conducted under the Accountability and Integrity Matters (AIM) Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Maldives, in partnership with Transparency Maldives.

Key issues raised during the dialogue were taken further through a panel discussion moderated by UNDP, featuring representatives from Transparency Maldives, the Auditor General’s Office Maldives, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Maldives. The panel drew on findings from the second review cycle of UNCAC, highlighting gaps in prevention, oversight, and asset recovery that continue to affect environmental decision-making.

The discussions underscored the importance of stronger coordination between oversight institutions and civil society to address integrity risks linked to environmental governance and climate-related initiatives, and to ensure public resources are managed transparently and responsibly.