Issues and Challenges of Island Development

Issues and challenges of island development: Case study of Republic of Maldives 12411168

Republic of Maldives is a leading economic powerhouse of south Asia. A country with the rich Islamic culture is now becoming the center of attraction for many tourists all around the globe. Maldives is a coral and reef archipelago in the Indian ocean which has number of island between 1190 to 13900.Population of just about 3 million, people of Maldives has set up the lesson for the whole world about sustainable development where environmental issues are given top priority. Maldives is a country that relies heavily on tourism industry where 35% of national GDP consist of revenue generated by the tourism industry and 30% of GDP is composed of other sectors such as transportation, financial service market and fishing which too rely on tourism industry. Agriculture is done in some parts of country but it rather subsistence than commercial farming. Furthermore, Maldives depends totally on Middle East for the fuel resources.

Maldives removed the tag of underdeveloped country in 2005 and has been able to maintain annual GDP rise of 9% and per capita income of $5000. However, Maldives faces strong challenges developmental issues. It is said that 35% of people live on less than 1$ a day and 30% of Maldivian children under the age of 5 are malnourished. Furthermore, recent data suggest that 25% of adult population is believed to be using drugs (brown sugar) and inequality between Male and other Atolls is increasing in a dramatic rate where northern Atolls are becoming poorer (International monetary fund, 2010).The development of tourism is positive aspects but intercommunication distance between tourism industry and local communities is increasing and in some places local people are totally isolated from the tourism industry. The above mentioned issues are to be addressed properly by the government of Maldives.

The developmental framework was first initiated in Maldives by the former president Maumoon Abdul gayoom who ruled the island country from 1978 to 2008. He was criticized for the autocratic rule for 30 years however; we should not forget his role in tourism development in Maldives. He encouraged people to participate in developmental works. He is also credited for bringing 7 developmental programs in his 30 years of tenure. Furthermore, Maumoon Abdul initiated the program called vision 20 -20 in Maldives which aimed to promote sustainable development in Maldives minimizing the negative effects of tourism industry. Vision 20-20 is being successful as both economic and social indicators have dramatically improved. The literacy rate was increased from 70% to 98% in last 12 years and life expectancy rose from 48 to 72 years and annual GDP growth rate of above 8%. Mumoon Abdul gayoom also showed his strong commitment in millennium development goal (MDG) to reduce poverty, malnutrition among children's and promote sustainable development. Even if his government was not democratic, they were able to initiate the developmental program in Maldives which has laid the foundation of developmental projects in the future.

Developmental framework has been well organized in Maldives. One of the most important developmental issues in Maldives is the concept of regional development. 20 atolls have been divided into 5 development region and each development region has its own capital. It is said that 70% of developmental decision are taken by the people. Local people are well occupied with the concept that development is for the people and by the people.45% of public sector investment program (PSIP) was directly dedicated to promote regional development. The main aim of regional development aims to increase the range of employment opportunities to the people and make all atolls prosperous and more sustainable. It also aims to reduce income inequalities between rich and poor and also between male and other remote atolls. the annual publication published by ministry of labor suggest that income inequality of income has been reduced by 22%.1/3 of Maldives population lives in the Capital city and population of capital consist of 58% of immigrants from other island so regional development plays an important role in reducing overpopulation in Male and develop other cities. However, second vulnerability