what is contributing to the receding coastline in the Maldives?

Mining of sea sand for construction purpose.

- Maldivians themselves because of resorts constructions, but also post-tsunami reconstruction, making the islands even more vulnerable to erosion and tsunamis.

However, due to recent laws, Maldivians use more and more sand from Indian rivers.

- Nearby countries, especially Dubai and their huge construction program including the famous Palm and World Islands.

Even mined faraway sand collapses step by step from extraction site to island coasts

Erosion can account for small changes, tsunamis in bigger ones, but otherwise it's either because the island is sinking or the oceans are rising. Which of those last two do you think is likelier?

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