The Ministry, in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a side event at COP28 in Dubai, focusing on the Building Climate Resilient Safer Islands initiated in the Maldives this year. The event was organized to share the objectives, achievements, approach to solving development issues, implementation structure and progress of the project.

This project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and supported by the accredited entity JICA, is aimed towards addressing climate change impacts in the Maldives by enhancing coastal management through integrated coastal zone management, early warning and early action and through knowledge sharing.

At the side event, Mr. Gareth Zahir Bill, GCF’s Deputy Director for the Division of Portfolio Management gave opening remarks, giving an overview of the project and its background. He also provided information on ongoing GCF supported programs and projects in the Maldives. Mr. Ahmed Waheed, Director of the Climate Change Department of the Ministry highlighted the impacts of climate change in the Maldives, and detailed the measures that are currently being taken.

Ms. Megumi Tsukizoe of the Global Environment Department at JICA provided insight into how the project was realized and into the project’s implementation and funding structures. Mr. Atsushi Takahashi, JICA Expert detailed the project’s components and activities, further highlighting its aims to enhance resilience in the country. Mr. Ahmed Raidh, Senior Coastal Analyst of the Ministry then presented a progress report on the activities, as well as the lessons learnt through the project’s implementation to date.

This project is valued at USD 66 million, with USD 25.1 million from the GCF, USD 35.4 million contribution by JICA, and USD 5.5 million by the Government of Maldives. Aiming to build resilience the project will focus on selected islands of Addu City and Laamu Atoll.