The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has officially launched a comprehensive national policy for sustainable shore protection, backed by significant assistance from Japan.
This crucial initiative aims to safeguard the nation's environmentally sensitive and erosion-prone coastlines, with consultancy work for the initial phase awarded to the Japanese engineering firm, Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.
The project, part of the broader ‘Climate Resilient Safe Island in the Maldives’ programme, specifically targets the coastlines of four key islands, including Gan, Fonadhoo and Isdhoo in Laamu Atoll along with Addu City Meedhoo, for its initial development phase. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. has been contracted to prepare detailed engineering designs and develop tender documents required to procure contractors for the project, utilising funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, Abdulla Ziyad, emphasised the project's importance.
"This project is being implemented to bring a sustainable solution to the environmentally sensitive and erosion-prone villages,” Ziyad said.
He added that Phase 1 encompasses detailed design, environmental impact assessments, and human resource training for the four selected islands, with additional areas already identified for future inclusion.
State Minister Ziyad expressed optimism for a swift timeline, anticipating the completion of detailed designs within six months and the commencement of the tendering process early next year. Beyond immediate project implementation, the JICA-assisted programme will also focus on formulating national policies to address erosion sustainably and establishing guidelines for island-level development plans.
The overarching ‘Climate Resilient Safe Island in the Maldives’ project is being supported through a collaborative effort, drawing assistance from both the Green Climate Fund and JICA, underscoring a multi-faceted approach to enhance the Maldives' resilience against climate change impacts.