Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security Project (ECRFS Project)
The Maldives’ physical vulnerability, coupled with its reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and subsistence farming, places the country at high risk of adverse impacts from climate change. It is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards, including pluvial and coastal flooding, swells, erosion, cyclone winds, storm surges, heat waves, earthquakes, tsunamis, and droughts. These hazards result in severe consequences such as loss of life, injuries, displacement, damage to infrastructure and housing, livelihood disruptions, environmental degradation, reduced economic productivity, particularly in tourism and increased poverty and social vulnerability.
To address these challenges, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, and other partners, will implement the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security project.
The project is funded through a combination of grants, loans, and technical assistance from the Asian Development Fund, Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, the Ocean Resilience Coastal Adaptation Trust Fund the and the Government of Maldives.
Objectives
- The overarching aim of the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security project is to support the Maldives in reducing the vulnerability of island communities to climate risks by strengthening institutional and community capacities for climate change adaptation.
- Institutional and community capacity for climate adaptation improved
- Introduction of climate-smart technologies in agri-food systems
- Promotion of climate adaptation businesses and urban farming
- Implementation of effective flood and coastal protection through nature-based solutions.
Expected Outcomes
- In long-term, project activities will contribute to improved climate and disaster resilience, as well as food and nutrition security.
- A strong social focus will be placed on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable communities. By targeting activities where women and youth can play major roles, the project will also help address inequality that could be exacerbated by climate change.
Project Timeline
Workshop on Developing Sustainable Management and Agribusiness Development Plan for the Kulhudhuffushi Demonstration Plot
On 9 August 2026, a workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Kulhudhuffushi City Council and Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean resources, to develop a Sustainable Management and Agribusiness Development Plan for the demonstration plot planned for Kulhudhuffushi. The workshop brought together 27 stakeholders from city council, WDC, Hanimaadhoo Agriculture Center, individual farmers and businesses to explore agribusiness opportunities, sustainable business models, and long-term management approaches for the plot, laying the foundation for a practical and sustainable management plan.
The Kulhudhuffushi demonstration plot is one of three demonstration plots planned under the project, which will showcase climate-smart urban agriculture practices and sustainable approaches to food production and agribusiness.
The workshop was organized by the Project Management Unit (PMU) and facilitated by Urban Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Hassan Shuabee, ; Secretary General of Kulhudhuffushi City Council, Mr. Abdulla Adam; Senior Agriculture Development Assistant, Mr. Mohamed Lahfaan Moosa; Agriculture Officer, Mr. Abdul Latheef Moosa; Agriculture Officer, Mr. Zakariyya Ibrahim; Asst Agricultrure Officer, Ms. Hamdha Ali; Project Manager, Mr. Hamdhaan Zuhair; Social Safeguards Specialist, Ms. Aminath Shareef and Civil Engineer, Mr. Mohamed Afraz.
First VilunVeshi School Garden Inaugurated at Hiriya School
On 06 July 2026, Honourable Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Ali Shareef; Her Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko and His Excellency Motoo Taki, Resident Representative of the JICA Maldives Office inaugurated the first VilunVeshi garden in Hiriya school.
The VilunVeshi School Garden Programme aims to promote hands-on learning on environmental conservation, climate change, and urban agriculture while strengthening students' awareness of nutrition and healthy food choices. The programme also seeks to develop practical life skills through experiential learning and encourage the adoption of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices among young learners. It is planned for the programme to be rolled out to 5 schools during the project period.
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ABD first mission - Year 2
An Asian Development Bank (ADB) mission visited the Maldives to review the implementation performance and progress of the project, discuss opportunities for seawater farming demonstration and participate in the opening of the first VilunVeshi School Garden at Hiriya School.
As part of the mission, a stakeholder consultation workshop was held in Kulhudhuffushi City for information dissemination on the VilunVeshi grant programme. Officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources participated in the consultation.
The mission was led by Ms. Michiko Katagami, Principal Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist, and included Ms. Mariangela Paz Medina, Project Officer, and Mr. Shohei Toyonaga, Consultant – Seawater Farming Expert.
VilunVeshi Interactive Clinic
From 23–24 June 2026, a two-day interactive clinic was conducted to support participants in developing high-quality proposals for the VilunVeshi Grant Programme. The clinic covered the online application process, technical guidance, and practical support to help participants transform innovative ideas into fundable proposals. A key component was the Local Café, which encouraged participants to exchange ideas, explore potential solutions, and identify opportunities aligned with the grant’s thematic areas. The clinic was conducted as part of the National Adaptation Forum organized by the Ministry’s Climate Change Department.
A total of 37 participants attended the clinic, including representatives from NGOs, CSOs, island councils, Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), and farmers from across the country.
The sessions were delivered by representatives from the Project Management Unit (PMU), Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, SME Digital, and independent experts in areas including climate adaptation, information technology, marketing, and innovation.
VilunVeshi School Garden Training at Hiriya School
From 10–11 June 2026, a series of practical training sessions were conducted at Hiriya School to equip students, teachers, and staff with knowledge and hands-on skills in gardening techniques aligned with the VilunVeshi School Garden design. The training covered vertical growing systems, soil-based gardening, and hydroponic systems for cultivating leafy vegetables, as well as the establishment of a fruit orchard for growing nutrient-rich local fruits. A rainwater harvesting system has also been integrated into the garden to support irrigation and reduce reliance on desalinated water. The first garden under this programme is named “Garden of Growth”.
As part of the hands-on sessions, students and staff participated in preparing seeds for both hydroponic and soil-based cultivation. The sessions were facilitated by PMU Urban Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Hassan Shuabee. Following the training, the PMU will continue to support the school with planting, garden maintenance, and technical guidance throughout the project period to help ensure the sustainability of the school garden.
Older milestones load beneath, continuing back to the project's start
Resources
Implementation and Administration Documents
Project Team
Mohamed Hamdhaan Zuhair
Project Manager
Fathmath Hulwa Khaleel
Environmental Safeguards Specialist
Aminath Shareef
Social Safeguards Specialist
Aminath Shaliny
Gender Expert
Ramsha Abdul Sattar
Communication and Behavioral Change Specialist
