Maldives Edition
Regional/Cultural Day
World Water Day : Maldives
The Maldives has a unique water crisis: surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the country has almost no fresh water. Most islands rely on rainwater collection and desalination, and the freshwater lens (a thin layer of groundwater floating above the salt water beneath each island) is shrinking due to over-extraction and sea level rise. During the dry season, many islands face water shortages, and the government operates desalination plants on the most populated islands. World Water Day is observed with water conservation campaigns, school programs, and the reminder that water security is an existential issue for the Maldives.
