The Maldives has officially launched a USD 25 million project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to build national resilience against climate change.
The announcement was officially made by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim during the sidelines of a regional forum in Fiji.
The initiative, developed with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), will strengthen climate information services and install early warning systems across the archipelago.
Minister Thoriq emphasised the critical importance of early preparation for the Maldives, a small island nation acutely vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather.
"Climate change has a major impact on island countries like the Maldives. Early recognition and preparation for climate change are paramount to safeguarding communities,” he said.
The USD 25 million grant will fund a project, known as the Transformational Climate Resilience and Adaptation Programme (TRACT), that focuses on several key areas like improving risk knowledge, early warning systems, enhancing forecasting and strengthening information dissemination.
The TRACT programme is aligned with the UN Secretary-General's "Early Warnings for All" initiative, which aims to protect every person on Earth by 2027. The Maldives is one of the first 30 nations globally selected to receive this specialised support.
The project's launch was officially announced during the 6th Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific Forum, which was held in Fiji from 26 to 29 August.
During the forum, Minister Thoriq engaged with international stakeholders to strengthen collaborations. Outcomes from the forum will also contribute to the Seventh Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), scheduled for December 2025.
The project's successful approval underscores the international community's recognition of the Maldives' commitment to tackling the escalating effects of climate change and building a resilient future for its people.