The Maldives launches coastal protection megaproject

A megaproject worth MVR 1 billion (over $65 million) is set to be launched with the assistance of Japan to protect the Maldives’ shores.

The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund in collaboration with the Maldives Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology signed the agreement for the project titled ‘Building Climate Resilient and Safe Islands in the Maldives‘ at a ceremony held last week.

Minister Aminath Shauna signed the deal on behalf of the government, and JICA’s Maldives representative put his signature on behalf of Japan.

The project is aimed at enhancing the protection of rural beaches and strengthening the weather disaster warning and information system, the ministry said in a statement.

The initiative is also focused on increasing the ability to observe sea level rise and developing a system for monitoring rural beaches, lagoons and land use.

According to the ministry, the project will also involve beach protection on several islands.

The islands are:

– Laamu atoll Maamendhoo,

– Laamu atoll Fonadhoo,

– Laamu atoll Gan,

– Laamu atoll Isdhoo,

– Feydhoo ward in Addu City (Seenu atoll).

The project was awarded for a period of six years.