The “Climate-Induced Water Security in Atoll Nations Forum” has officially commenced at Barceló Nasandhura in Malé.
The three-day forum, organised by the Climate Change Department of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, is being held from 7 to 9 April.
The Maldives is hosting the event in its capacity as chair of the Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC). Representatives, development partners, technical experts and key stakeholders from Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Tokelau are taking part in the discussions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim said climate change has intensified water security challenges for small atoll nations. He noted that the Maldives and other island states continue to face reduced rainfall, prolonged heat and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.
The minister said ensuring water security remains a national priority, aligned with the Maldives’ Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He added that efforts are ongoing to develop sustainable water supply systems through infrastructure investment, technological innovation and community-based approaches.
The forum includes multiple sessions focusing on practical solutions, with participants sharing experiences on improving desalination systems, rainwater harvesting, water production and groundwater management and protection.
The forum aims to identify long-term solutions to the growing water security challenges faced by atoll nations.