From China to Maldives: A lesson in sustainable development and nationalism

“A high GDP and other economic figures are not everything.”

This is what they stressed to the Maldivian reporters taken to Fujian province earlier this month. Something that was repeatedly stressed, and by more than one person: The importance of bringing development without compromising nature, heritage, history and culture.

Reporters from nine Maldivian media outlets were taken to Fujian, located in southeastern China. The delegation was headed by Heena Waleed, the chief spokesperson at the President’s Office, and chief executive officer of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).

The reporters were taken on tours of three cities in Fujian. They were shown historical sites and places the country’s rich history and heritage is preserved. They got to experience a perfect balance of development and nature.

The first stop was on July 31, to the port city of Xiamen, known as the most eco-friendly city in China. The reporters took an eight-hour direct flight from Male’ to the Chinese city on Xiamen Airlines, which launched direct flight operations to Maldives that day. The reporters did not take time to shake off the jetlag, they went sightseeing.

The reporters were amazed at the greenery and the natural beauty they saw. They wanted to show the Maldivian people the huge development brought to the area without any cost to the surrounding environment. The care taken in preserving the nature amid stunning high-rises and other modern infrastructure.

They saw the same model in Pingtan County, and two other cities they visited.

During the trip – organized by the Chinese embassy in Male’ and the government of Fujian – the reporters were told how the province was developed, and their goals for economic and sustainable development.

They wanted to show the Maldivian people this. Especially because it is a coastal area, that share similar geographical features to Maldivian islands.

“The GDP and the economy are important. It solves a lot of problems. But history, culture, nature and sustainable development – this is as equally important,” this is a truth that was repeated over and over.

Revival of nationalism

The importance President Xi Jinping gives to preserving China’s rich history, culture and heritage was evident from all places the reporters visited.

This was all the more evident from Sanfang Qixiang or the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys - a historic and cultural area in the center of the city of Fuzhou.

It is a well-preserved architectural complex of the Ming and Qing Dynasty, covering a total area of 40 hectares with 268 ancient houses.

The lanes and alleys are home to hundreds of houses built by wealthy people in the Ming and Qing dynasties, including politicians, military leaders, writers and poets, and 159 buildings remain well-preserved to this day.

The prime location of the area attracts big investors, who want to develop high-rises there. But the stand of the Chinese government is clear: they do not want modern “development” to erase the area’s rich history.

Maldivian reporters were shown the houses; each of them has its own special history and stories, and with ornaments, wood carvings and stone carvings all testifying to past glories.

The houses all have documents explaining the history, and 3D drawings and videos that provide visitors with an immersive visual experience. It also has cooling systems so visitors have a pleasant experience.

All this is done with zero damage to the ancient structures.

The houses document even the most minuscule details, including the trees planted by the renowned figures that once inhabited them. The precious gems found from the area are also on display.

In no city or area they visited did the reporters see any destruction of culture and heritage.

The country’s rich history is carefully preserved using technological advancements such as 3D modeling, reconstruction and virtual reality. Its nationalism is protected.

The entire life story of the poets, writers, travelers, academics and kings who lived there are preserved in a manner that is appealing to even the Gen Zs. Using the latest technology, people are able to experience the life of people who lived there thousands of years ago.

It shows they place as much importance on nationalism as development.

“Why can’t we Maldivians do the same for Bodu Thakurufaanu, right?” the reporters asked each other.

This is what the Nationalism Ministry of Maldives should be doing.

Historical artefacts and sites, such as the monument of Bodu Thakurufaanu and ‘Kalhuohfunmi’ – the sailing boat he used - needs to be preserved using technological advancements or risks being lost in time.

Maldivian history must be digitalized so that it can be taught to younger generates, and in a way that actually grabs their interest.

Not just development, but sustainable development

Development is interpreted differently by different people. For some, development means tall high-rises, bridges and modern roads. For others, it means increased convenience.

But Xiamen City, Jinjiang City and Fuzhou City of the Fujian province of China all tell a common tale. A tale of sustainable development. A balance of nature and concrete, of natural resources and modern technology. It is something that nations across the globe can draw inspiration from.

How did they accomplish this?

Xiamen City, which is now connected to Male’ via direct flights, is a shining example of sustainable development.

One of the things they did was to adopt environment-friendly building codes.

Almost all buildings in Xiamen City are equipped with energy-efficient lights and devices powered by renewable energy sources.

There is not an area of the city without a park or another form of greenery.

Electric vehicles

Another thing that caught the eye in Fujian is that the license plates of most vehicles are all green. A few had blue license plates. The nine reporters on the tour, as well as Heena, who had worked for years in journalism, wanted to clarify what it meant.

A green license plate means it is an environmentally-friendly vehicle.

Electric vehicles, including electric cars and electric motorcycles dominated the streets of all three cities the reporters visited over the course of their six-day trip to China.

They didn’t stop there.

China is currently developing EV batteries for large trucks. A battery that can be charged in five minutes and can be used to travel 1,000 kilometers is currently at the testing phase.

They are also researching EV batteries to power ships. They aim to fly electric airplanes in 50 years.

Things are the opposite of this in the Maldives, especially in its capital, Male’ City. There isn’t a single electric car to be seen. And for the few people who do own electric cars, there isn’t any way to charge them. The use of environmentally-friendly vehicles isn’t promoted.

The Maldives needs to follow and learn from developed nations. The direct flights operated by Xiamen Airlines offers people with the chance to visit Fujian province, and these realities firsthand.

For visitors, Fujian teaches a lesson in sustainable development and nationalism.