Faced with the threat of rising sea levels, the Maldives is embarking on a bold strategy of land reclamation, creating new territories from the ocean floor. While this effort aims to address the country’s housing crisis and support economic development, it also raises environmental concerns about the potential damage to marine ecosystems. The Maldives’ land reclamation projects involve dredging sand from the ocean floor and piling it along the coast to expand the country’s territory. This process can destroy coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and natural barriers, harming the fishing and tourism industries. However, the Maldives government believes that land reclamation is necessary and beneficial, as it provides space for housing, attracts investment, and develops local economies.