Professional Documents
Culture Documents
(NAPA)
Republic of Maldives
GEF
Prepared by
The Government of Maldives
Republic of Maldives
GEF
Prepared by
The Government of Maldives
Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water
i
Contributors:
Editors:
Mr. Ahmed Jameel (Ministry of Environment, Energy
Dr. Simad Saeed
and Water)
Mr. Ahmed Shaig
Mr. Amjad Abdulla (Ministry of Environment, Energy
Ms. Lubna Moosa
and Water)
Mr. Ibrahim Shaheen (Maldives Transport and Support Staff:
Contracting Company) Ms. Aminath Zumeena
Ms. Fathmath Shafeega (Ministry of Planning and Mr. Ibrahim Hamza Khaleel
National Development) Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Didi
Mr. Mohamed Aslam (LaMer) Ms Athira Ali
Mr. Hussain Zahir (Marine Research Centre)
Published by:
Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water, 2006
Fen Building
Male', Republic of Maldives
Tel: +960 3324861
Fax: +960 3322286
Email: env@environment.gov.mv
Website: www.environment.gov.mv
Foreword
By President of the Republic of Maldives
27 December 2006
Our world is today faced with many mitigate against climate change, there is
serious threats to the prospect of life and no local-level fix to this global problem.
the well-being of our future generations.
Numerous challenges lie ahead of us in
Poverty, terrorism and global pandemics
the quest to safeguard the Maldives and
rank among the most serious perils
its people from the rising seas. We must
facing us. However, to the three hundred
find ways to adapt to higher sea levels,
thousand inhabitants of the Maldives
higher levels of natural stress on coral
none of these threats compare, in
reefs, higher temperatures, higher
magnitude and likelihood, to global
frequency of severe storms and varying
climate change and consequent sea level
rainfall patterns. Thus, this National
rise.
Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA)
Twenty years ago, the Maldives activated will hopefully guide us in this endeavour
the alarm bells on this impending threat in the years ahead. It outlines the
to the survival of our nation. Slowly but activities that we must implement to
surely, we caught the attention of the adapt to climate change. I note with
international community. Two decades satisfaction that the NAPA was developed
on, the scientific evidence of climate with wide stakeholder participation and
change is overwhelming. Climate change through extensive consultations at the
and sea level rise are already happening. atoll and national levels. Thus, the views
Although some work is being done to and priorities in the Programme have the
endorsement of the public.
iii Foreword by President
Contents
6.1.3 Tourism 41
6.1.4 Fisheries 41
7 Adaptation Projects 45
References 131
Acknowledgement
4 Ministry of Economic
Development and Trade
4 Department of Meteorology
Acronyms
Chapter I
Introduction
...there must be a way out. Neither the Maldives nor any small island nation wants to
drown. That's for sure. Neither do we want our lands eroded nor our economies destroyed.
Nor do we want to become environmental refugees either. We want to stand up and fight.
Chapter II
Adaptation Policy
Framework
This chapter presents the goal of the sustainable development outcomes; and
Maldives NAPA and the overall adaptation strategies.
adaptation policy framework adopted for
According to the Intergovernmental Panel
the country.
on Climate Change (IPCC) vulnerability
is the degree to which a system is
2.1 NAPA Goal
susceptible to, or unable to cope with,
The goal of the NAPA is to present a adverse effects of climate change,
coherent framework to climate change including climate variability and
adaptation that enhances the resilience extremes (IPCC 2001:388). Adaptation
of the natural, human, and social refers to adjustment in natural or
systems and ensures their sustainability human systems in response to actual or
in the face of predicted climate hazards. expected climatic stimuli or their effects,
which moderates harm or exploits
2.2 Maldives Adaptation Policy beneficial opportunities (IPCC
2001:365). For the Maldives NAPA,
Framework
adaptation is a multi-dimensional goal
Figure 1.1 provides a simplified picture that aims to increase resilience of the
Figure 2.1: Conceptual framework of NAPA illustrating the complex relationship between sustainability and adaptation to
climate change.
Investment
Sea Level Rise Insurance
Access to
V U
S L resources
E Sustainable Development
Adpatation Strategies
I
Outcomes
T
Extreme
E R
E R A I L I
Hu
al
Weather Policies
tur
Work
ma
A B I L I T
Na
B
SYSTEMS
Mobility
Awareness,
Produced Shelter
communication &
Recreation
information
N
IE
Environmental Quality
L
S
U
V Market-based tools Knowledge
Projects Health
Increasing Family & Social Relations
Management Freedom
Temperature
Security
Changes to
Precipitation Patterns
Growth collapse
Political instability
Balance of payments
Natural disasters
Technology or trade induced shocks Social upheaval
Financial crisis Civil strife
Terrorism
transform the systems and how they The final component of the adaptation
mitigate or reduce the risk of climate framework is the barriers to
change to the systems. The fourth implementation. There are several socio-
component of the adaptation policy political shocks and stresses such as
framework is the processes that interact political instability, social upheaval and
with the systems to influence adaptation. terrorism that could affect speedy
In order to achieve the sustainable implementation of national adaptation
development outcomes, there has to be a activities. Such shocks have a tendency to
process for maintenance, replacement alter and reshape national priorities over
and renewal of the systems. This process the short and medium-term. Natural
needs to be equal to or exceed the shocks such as tsunamis, storms and
processes of depreciation, degradation epidemics also reshape priorities in the
and loss in the system. Replacement short-term.
would not automatically take place and
Provided that national priorities do not
deliberate investment decisions are
change then the key barrier to
needed. On the other hand, climate
implementation of adaptation strategies
change poses dangers or irreversible
are weak institutions. Although the
losses to critical systems. Hence, a policy
adaptation strategies are clear most of
of prudent insurance is needed as well.
the organizations lack strategic direction
In order to make wise investment and and human, financial and technical
insurance decisions, signals need to be resources to implement them.
picked on the status of the systems, the Furthermore, lack of knowledge,
hazards and risk levels to the systems, education and awareness among the
how society currently uses the systems, public on the science and impacts of
and how the society has coped with risks climate change tends to reduce the
in the past. This requires the generation demand the public place on the
of information, fostering learning and government and private sector to supply
knowledge. In the NAPA the decision adaptation and mitigation to climate
processes are termed adaptation change.
strategies. The signals on the adaptation
In the project profiles in Chapter Seven of
needs of the society and the relative
the NAPA special attention has been
values of the adaptation strategies were
given to remove barriers to long-term
obtained through carefully planned
adaptation to climate change in the
expert analysis and regional and national
Maldives.
level stakeholder consultations. The key
adaptation needs as identified and
prioritised by stakeholders are listed in
Chapter Six.
7 Country Characteristics and National Development
Chapter III
Country Characteristics
and National Development
This chapter provides the background on (Figure 3.1). This chain is 860km long
geography, climate, society, the economy and the width varies between 80 to
and the national development goals. 120km. There are 1190 small tropical
islands out of which 358 islands are
3.1 Geography and climate being currently utilized mainly for human
settlements, infrastructure and economic
Maldives is an archipelago of 25 low- activities. The largest island is Gan in
lying coral atolls located in a north to Laamu Atoll which is barely 6km .
2
Figure 3.1: Location map of Maldives. The south-west monsoon is from May to
November and the north-east monsoon
Pakistan is from January to March. Daily
o
temperature varies between 31 C and
o
Saudi Arabia Myanmar 23 C. The mean daily maximum
India o
temperature is 30.4 C and the mean
o
Thailand daily minimum temperature is 25.7 C.
Humidity ranges from 73 to 85% (MEC,
2004; Meteorology, 2006).
Sri Lanka
MALDIVES The annual average rainfall for Maldives
Equator Indonesia is 2,124mm. Southern atolls on average
receive 2,277mm while northern atolls
I n d i a n O c e a n
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 8
Figure 3.2: Map of Maldives showing geographic and climate features
2
Reef Area: 500.70 km
Rainfall (mm)
20 200 Kulhudhuffushi 2
Land Area: 68.70 km
15 150 No. of Reefs: 164
No. of Islands: 167
10 100
6N
North Maalhosmadulu Atoll
5 50
One of the 11 atolls on the western line of
0 0
islands. It has an area of high faro density
J F M A M J J A S O N D within its lagoon, a feature most
Month commonly found in atolls of Maldives.
2
Surface Area: 1184.31 km
2
Reef Area: 223.50 km
Male International Airport 5N Land Area: 12.90 km
2
Rainfall (mm)
5 50 3N
Gan Island and Hadhdhunmathi Atoll
0 0 Largest island. This atoll also contains
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Month the largest total land area in any atoll.
2
Surface Area: 884.63 km
2
Reef Area: 203.70 km
2
Land Area: 25.27 km
2N
No. of Reefs: 56
Kadhoo No. of Islands: 130
Airport
Gan International Airport
Weather Station
Huvadhoo Atoll
35 Also known as Suvadhiva Atoll, it is the
350
2nd largest atoll and contains the most
1N number of islands.
30 300
Surface Area: 3278.59 km2
25 250 Reef Area: 437.90 km2
2
Thinadhoo Land Area: 33.45 km
Temperature (0C)
Rainfall (mm)
10 100 0N
Equator Islands
5 50
Reefs
0 0 Major weather stations
J F M A M J J A S O N D Hithadhoo
Month 0 20 60 100 Km
73E
9 Country Characteristics and National Development
The 7NDP lays down the development equal opportunity for education, life
policies and strategies of the Government long learning and training
for the period 2006 to 2010. The
7 Improve health and well-being
policies and strategies in the 7NDP are
targeted at improving the quality of life
8 Promote gender equality, family
for the people living in the Maldives,
values and youth development.
particularly the poor, the disadvantaged
and the vulnerable groups. A key 9 Safeguard the values, rights and
principle of the 7NDP is that the freedoms necessary to allow all to
development policies should not live a life of dignity.
compromise the ability of future
10 Promote access to justice, rule of law
generations to achieve non-declining per
and maximize public safety
capita well being. The proposed way
forward is optimal use of the available
11 Strengthen governance and national
natural resources and the protection of
security
critical natural capital such as water
resources, coral reefs and fish breeding At the United Nations Millennium
grounds. Summit held in September 2000,
Maldives along with other nations of the
The specific goals of the 7NDP are:
world committed to achieve the MDGs.
The eight broad goals and the 18 specific
1 Create an environment conducive for
targets to be achieved by 2015 are
growth and generate employment
designed to:
2 Enhance trade, support businesses
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and
and build competitive industries
hunger.
3 Invest in strategic and state-of-the
2. Achieve universal primary education.
art infrastructure to enable ease of
movement, enhanced access to
3. Promote gender equality and
services, and build competitive
empower women.
advantage
4. Reduce child mortality.
4 Create a built environment with
opportunities for equitable access to 5. Improve maternal health.
housing, sports, and recreation and
6. Combat HIV/AIDS malaria and other
preserve cultural heritage
diseases.
5 Protect the natural environment and
7. Ensure environmental sustainability.
make people and property safer
<image>
Chapter IV
Climate Change and
Climate Variability
Figure 4.1: Maximum hourly sea level, by year, and its linear The first component of the Maldives
trend for Hulhul (1989 to 2005).
Adaptation Framework (Figure 2.1)
750 described in Chapter Two is climate
Maximum Hourly Sea Level (mm)
100
scenarios of IPCC Special Reports on
80
Emission Scenarios (SRES). The projected
60
average rate of increase is 5mm/year,
40
with a range of 2 to 9mm/year (IPCC
20
2001).
0
550 580 610 640 670 700
Hourly Sea Level (mm)
For Maldives, the observed long term Figure 4.3: Maximum daily rainfall, by year, for Hulhul
(1975 to 2005)
trend in relative sea level for Hulhul
200
(Male' International Airport Weather
(mm)
approximately 7mm/year, a rate far in 100
80
excess of the observed local and global 60
trends in mean sea level (Figure 4.1). 40
20
0
For Hulhul an hourly sea level of 70cm 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
above mean sea level (MSL) is currently a Year
400
Global average water vapour
concentration and precipitation are
Return Period (yr)
300
projected to increase during the 21st
200
century (IPCC, 2001). A marginal decline
in precipitation is projected for the 100
The present average monthly Sea Surface During May 1998 mean monthly SST was
o
Temperature (SST) in the Maldives ranges 1.1 C above the highest mean monthly
o o
from 28 C to 29 C, rarely increasing SST expected in any 20 year return period
above 30C. Mean monthly SST is lowest (Clark et al. 2001).
in December and January reaching its
highest in April and May. 4.4 Extreme events
An increasing trend in SST has been Greater extremes of drying and heavy
observed in the Maldives (Singh et al. rainfall is projected, increasing the risk of
2001; Khan et al. 2002). Large seasonal droughts and floods especially during El
variations in the SST trends were Nino events (IPCC 2001). Tropical
observed at Gan (Gan International cyclones are predicted to be enhanced in
Airport) in Seenu Atoll. SST and Mean intensity by 10 to 20% (Nurse and Sem
Tide Level (MTL) trends at Hulhule 2001).
Table 4.3: Storm tide estimates for medium and high sea level rise scenarios
Storm Tides at
Present Day Predicted SLR
Scenarios 2080-2100
Average
Storm Surge Storm Medium High
Zone Tide Height
Height (m) Tide (m) (0.48m) (0.88m)
(m)
Southern Atolls - 0.93 NA NA NA
Central-west Islands 0.45 0.93 1.38 1.86 2.26
Central-east Islands 0.6 0.93 1.53 2.01 2.41
Northwest Islands 0.99 0.98 1.97 2.45 2.85
NorthEast Islands 1.32 0.98 2.3 2.78 3.18
Source: UNDP (2006) and Shaig (2006)
Figure 4.5: Cyclone tracks over Maldives between 1877-2004 Maldives lies out of the tropical cyclone
zone due to its proximity to equator.
10N
However, there have been incidents from
India
the past where cyclonic storms have
passed over Maldives and their still
8N
remain the probability for future such
events. Figure 4.5 shows the tracks of
cyclonic system over Maldives in 128
6N years.
75E
73E
77E
71E
Table 4.5: Cyclone hazard zone in Maldives and the probable maximum
wind speed
Southern Maldives 0 0
South Central 55.9 0
Central 69.6 1
North Central 84.2 2
Northern Maldives 96.8 3
Source: UNDP (2006)
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 18
Chapter V
Vulnerabilities and Impacts
The second component of the Maldives The impacts on the vulnerable systems
Adaptation Framework (Figure 2.1) are described in this chapter for the high
described in Chapter Two is vulnerable risk sectors identified through the V&A
systems. This chapter presents the assessment process. These are (i) Land,
vulnerabilities inherent in the different Beach and Human Settlements; (ii)
components of the natural, human and Critical Infrastructure; (ii) Tourism; (iv)
produced systems to the climate hazards Fisheries; (v) Human Health; (vi) Water
described in Chapter Four and the Resources; (vii) Agriculture and Food
predicted impacts of climate change on Security and, (viii) Coral Reef Biodiversity.
the Maldives.
5.1 Land, Beach and Human Settlements latest satellite and aerial imagery. This
land is divided over 1192 coral islands
The small size, extremely low elevation
and 96% of the islands are less than
and unconsolidated nature of the coral 2
1km in area (Figure 5.1). Only 10
islands place the people and their 2
islands are more than 2.5km . The
livelihoods at very high risk from climate
largest island Gan (Laamu Atoll), has an
change, particularly sea level rise. 2
area of 6.1km (Table 5.1). Land is highly
Maldives is the sixth smallest sovereign scarce and the 358 islands that are
2
state in terms of land area. The total land currently in use account for 176km . The
100.0%
83.3
80.3
80.0% 67.7
60.0%
40.0% 24.5 19
19.4 19.6 20.7
20.0%
10.5
8.8
5.6 7.1 % of total
0.0% 2.8 % of islan area utilised
0.6 ds utilised
1-25ha
0.3 % of Total
25-50ha
50-100ha
Land Area
100-250ha
% of Total
250-500ha
500+ha
Islands
The small size of the islands forces and 37 islands have been flooded
people to live next to the sea. At present, regularly or at least once a year (Shaig
44% of the settlement footprints of all 2006). The severe weather event of May
This translates to 42% of the population inhabited islands (MEC 2004). The
and 47% of all housing structures being tsunami wave of December 2004
within 100m of coastline. More than flooded all but nine islands and required
islands are within 100m of coastline Since housing designs, structures and
(Shaig 2006). Only Nolhivaramu (Haa materials are not adapted to flooding, it
Dhaalu), has all its housing structures exacerbates the vulnerability (UNEP
100m away from the coastline. Given the 2005). The flooring of houses does not
close proximity of the settlements to the have adequate elevation from the ground
sea and low elevation of the islands, and because of the poor construction
homes of people are at severe risk of material used for housing structures,
100%
80%
Proportion of Islands
60%
40%
20%
0%
HDh
Sh
N
R
B
Lh
K
AA
ADh
V
M
F
Dh
Th
L
Ga
GDh
S
Ha
Atoll
Islands with severe erosion Islands with moderate erosion
No significant erosion
to develop infrastructure in the country. with 21,156 beds makes up the bulk of
which two are international. Three major investment value and quantity. Each
commercial sea ports have been resort has its own power generation,
(Haa Dhaalu Atoll) and Hithadhoo (seenu More than 1200 over-water structures
Atoll). More than 128 island harbours have been developed as guest rooms,
have been developed by year 2006 in spas and restaurants in tourist resorts
country, are within 100m of coastline. the predicted rise in sea level and
The average width of a tourist resort is increased frequency and intensity of
190m while 63% of resort islands have a extreme weather, the critical
width less than 200m and 88% have less infrastructure such as airports, harbours,
than 300m. Furthermore, 70% of all coastal protection structures, tourist
fisheries infrastructure are within 100m facilities, hospitals, schools and utilities
of coastline where proximity to beach is are at high risk. If appropriate adaptation
taken as an advantage (Shaig 2006). measures are not taken, frequent
inundations could virtually obliterate the
The average width of inhabited islands is
critical infrastructure damaging the
566m resulting in all infrastructures built
within 233m maximum from the
coastline. In both inhabited islands and
resorts 80% of the powerhouses are
located within 100m of coastline. Also,
90% of the islands have their waste
disposal sites within 100m of coastline
and on the ocean-ward side of the island.
More than 75% of communications
infrastructures are located within 100m
from the coastline. In addition, land
reclamation on some islands have caused
settlements and associated infrastructure
to be located close to the coastline
(Shaig, 2006).
tourist experience and, in extreme Figure 5.3: Export revenue for tuna and reef fish / other varieties,
1998 -2005.
situations, on tourists' health and safety
and on the reputation of the country as a
10o
tourist destination.
8o
Millions US$
5.4 Fisheries 6o
4o
Fisheries is a critical component of the
economy. More than 20% of the 2o
population depend on fisheries as the
o
major income earning activity. Fisheries 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
is also the most dominant in terms of Year
employment of the local labour force Tuna Reef Fish & Other Varieties
employing over 15,000 fishermen and
Source: Adam (2006), Note: 2005 data is preliminary
contributes 7% to the GDP. Fish,
particularly tuna, is the primary source of
Fisheries industry is highly vulnerable to
dietary protein for the Maldivians and
climate change as tuna is highly attuned
tuna is served daily in every meal (Adam,
to the biophysical conditions of the
2006).
pelagic environment, particularly ENSO
and associated changes in SST. During
The total fish catch was 186,000 metric
the 1997/1998 El Nino the Indian
tons in 2005 and export revenue then
Ocean purse seine fishery was shifted to
stood at over US$100 million (Figure
the east, unlike other years owing to the
5.3). Tuna and tuna-related species
elevated depth of the 20degC isotherm
accounted for approximately 89% of the
(Adam, 2006). In the Maldives during
total fish catch and tuna products
the El Nino years, catch rates of skipjack
provided US$97 million of fish export
tuna are depressed while catches of
revenue. Skipjack tuna makes up 71% of
yellowfin tuna are elevated and the
total fish catch followed by yellowfin
effect is reversed in La Nina years (Adam
tuna at 13%. These two fishery are
and Anderson 1996; Adam and
significant even at the Indian Ocean wide
Anderson, 1996).
catch levels, representing 20% and 7%
respectively. In the Maldives, fish other
Tuna movement and abundance in the
than tuna species are classified as reef
Indian Ocean is closely linked to the
fish. In 2005, 11% of the fish catch was
climate driven ocean productivity (Adam,
reef fish and contributed US$7 million to
2006). The Somali Basin and the north
the fish export revenue (Adam, 2006;
Arabian Sea is particularly productive
MPND, 2006).
during the southwest monsoon. The
recent trend of declining winter and
spring snow cover over Eurasia is causing
29 Vulnerabilities and Impacts
As tuna fishery of Maldives is part of the Improved access to export markets and
wider Indian Ocean tuna fisheries, increasing demand from tourist resorts
climate-induced changes and fishery makes reef fishery an important source
overexploitation occurring elsewhere may of livelihood for atoll communities.
have local repercussions (Adam, 2006). Groupers, live-tropical fish and sea-
The most recent assessments of the tuna cucumber are fished exclusively for
stock in Indian Ocean revealed that export while lobsters and other reef fish
yellowfin tuna stock is considered to are harvested to meet demands of
have reached maximum sustainable tourism sector. Natural or anthropogenic
levels (IOTC, 2005). disturbances on coral reefs are known to
cause changes in community structure
The dependency of pole-and-line tuna
and species resilience which has
fishery method on livebait makes the
implications to the reef fishery. For
tuna fishery further vulnerable to climate
example, Gobiodon citrinus and
change and variability. Live bait is a pre-
Ocymonocanthus, two reef fish species
requisite for the pole and line fishery in
disappeared from exports after the 1998
the Maldives. For every 7 to 10kg of tuna
coral bleaching event. Both species feed
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 30
predominantly on acropora polyps which Meemu, Alifu and Lhaviyani atolls while
were most affected during the bleaching. fish catch per reef area is highest in
Human stresses such as overexploitation, Gaafu Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu Atolls
catch of immature fish and fishery during (Figure 5.4). The capital investments in
spawning periods exacerbates the fisheries are increasing rapidly with the
vulnerability of reef fishery. privatization of the fisheries making the
fisheries dependent island communities
The fisheries catch data shows there are
particularly vulnerable.
geographic variations in fish catch which
makes population of particular atolls Decline in tuna fishery will have direct
more vulnerable to the impact of climate implications on food security in the
change on fisheries than others. Highest Maldives. Fish is the main source of
catch per capita is seen in Gaafu Dhaalu, protein and local consumption of fish
Figure 5.4: Relative estimates of fish catch by atoll units in terms of population and reef area
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
exceeds 50,000 metric tons (MPND, neonatal tetanus, whooping cough and
2006). Reef fish is a significant item of diphtheria have been successfully
the tourist resort cuisine and impacts on eliminated while non-communicable
reef fishery will affect tourism and diseases such as heart disease, diabetes,
communities who depend on reef fishery hypertension, cancer and renal diseases
as a source of income. have emerged as major health concerns
in recent years. Furthermore, the
5.5 Human Health Maldives has one of the highest known
incidences of Thalassaemia in the world
The health status of the Maldivian with one out of every six Maldivians
population has improved significantly being a Thalassaemia carrier. Added to
over the last two decades. In 2005, the this is the growing problem of accidents
infant mortality rate was 12, maternal and injuries leading to death and
mortality was less than 1 per thousand disabilities.
and life expectancy was 72.2 years. The
population per practising doctor was 775 Despite the improvement in health status
in 2005 (MHAHE, 2002; MPND, 2006). the country still experiences high
incidences of water- and vector-borne
Maldives is now in a transition phase diseases that are attributed to climate
from communicable to non- change. Although mortality due to
communicable diseases. Communicable diarrhoea and acute respiratory
diseases such as malaria and vaccine infections has been reduced to zero, they
preventable diseases such as polio, continue to cause significant morbidity to
children and adults, indicating
Figure 5.5: Incidence of acute gastroenteritis in the Maldives 2000-2005 inadequate access to safe water and
sanitation. The number of cases of acute
18000
gastroentritis increased by 50% from
16000
10,000 cases in 2004 to 15,000 cases
No. of reported cases
14000
in 2005 (Figure 5.5).
12000
10000
Changes in temperature and rainfall
8000
regimes are causing higher incidence of
6000
vector-borne diseases. There is evidence
4000
that dengue outbreaks are becoming
2000
more frequent and it appears that there
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 is an association with ENSO events. The
Year first outbreak of dengue occurred in
Male < 5 Male > 5 Atoll < 5 1979, the second in 1983 and the third
Atoll > 5 Republic < 5 Republic > 5 1988 which was the worst with 2054
cases of dengue fever and nine deaths in
Source: Epidemiological Surveillance Records - DPH, Moosa (2006)
children under 10 years. After that for 10
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 32
years there were no outbreaks until the Figure 5.6: Incidence of dengue in Maldives 2000-2006
50
Among the other vector-borne diseases
of public health concern, Scrub Typhus 0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
which was endemic 60 years ago re-
Month
emerged in 2002 (Figure 5.7) with
2000 2001 2002 2003
mortality rates as high as 10% (Moosa 2004 2005 2006
2006). Chikungunya was for the first
Source: Epidemiological Surveillance Records (Dept of Public Health)
time diagnosed in December 2006 and
reached epidemic proportions. In
Figure 5.7: Incidence of scrub typhus in Maldives 2000-2005
addition to these climate related
communicable diseases there has been 50
an increase in the conditions of the skin, 45
40
subcutaneous tissue and eye that has
No. of reported cases
35
close linkages to climate change caused 30
by increase exposure to UV radiation. 25
20
The islands of the Maldives are a mere 15
5.7 Agriculture and Food Security cheap imports of vegetables and fruits.
The available cultivable land is 103m2
Agriculture is vital to the food security, per capita (MFAMR 2006). Soil is
nutritional status and livelihoods of the generally made up of medium-sized
atoll population. Agriculture contributed calcium carbonate sand grains. A typical
2.6% to GDP in 2005 (MPND 2006). soil profile is made up of a thin sandy
The total cultivable land area is layer at the top, a layer of organic matter
2 2
estimated at 27km , including 18km on 15 to 40cm deep, layer of hardpan 30 to
2
inhabited islands and 9km on 50cm deep before reaching unweathered
uninhabited islands (MFAMR 2006). The bedrock. The soil is absent of silt and clay
main subsistence crops include banana, reducing the adsorption capacity only to
watermelon, cucumber, taro, coconut, the organic matter layer while the
breadfruit, mango, sweet potato, medium sized calcium carbonate grains
pumpkin, papaya, luffa, cabbage and result in high infiltration rates. The
brinjal. average pH is 8.5 due to high calcium
content of the soil causing deficiencies in
Agriculture sector is constrained by the
micro-nutrients. In addition, the soil
limited availability of cultivable land,
lacks nitrogen and potassium due to
poor quality of soil and the abundance of
excessive leaching making the fertility
low (FAO 2005; MFAMR 2006).
storage and ad hoc distribution also pose national level. They form the seventh
severe food security risk to the largest reef system and are among the
population. The Maldives imports almost richest in the world in terms of species
all food items except fresh tuna and diversity. It has two of the largest natural
coconut. Long-term and emergency food atolls in the world, Thiladhunmathi Atoll
2
storage is virtually absent except for with a total surface area of 3,788km
warehousing in Male' and nine other and Huvadhoo Atoll with a total surface
2
islands (STO 2006). Since food area of 3,278km . At the national level,
distribution system is by boat from Male' the Maldives is a nation of coral islands
to islands and the quantity that can be where the reefs function as natural sea
transported across on one trip is small defences for the highly vulnerable
extreme events associated with climate activities tourism and fisheries are reef
change would increase food security based and provide more than 80% of the
problems. In 2003, 7% of the population total revenues to the country. The reefs
experienced food crisis and for nearly also provide food and are the source of
half of this population it lasted for less coral sand that is used as a construction
Ihavandhippolhu Atoll
A: 289.81 R: 119.50 I: 5.70
Thiladhunmathi Atoll
7N A: 3788.71 R: 500.70 I: 68.70
Makunudhoo Atoll
A: 142.48 R: 142.48 I: 0.96
Alifushi-Eththigili Atoll
A: 4.38 R: 4.38 I: 0.71
North Maalhosmadulu Atoll
6N A: 1184.31 R: 223.50 I: 12.90
Kudarikilu Atoll
A: R: I:
Faadhippolhu Atoll
A: 701.42 R: 158.00 I: 7.20
South Maalhosmadulu Atoll
5N A: 1126.95 R: 262.90 I: 5.50
Kaashidhoo Atoll
A: 9.54 R: 9.54 I: 2.89
Goidhoo Atoll
A: 112.61 R: 112.61 I: 2.20
Gaafaru Atoll
4N A: 88.05 R: 88.05 I: 0.19
Thoddoo Atoll
A: 4.75 R: 4.75 I: 1.62
North Male Atoll
A: 1568.18 R: 349 I: 9.40
Rasdhoo Atoll
A: 61.84 R: 61.84 I: 0.62
3N
South Male Atoll
A: 536.33 R: 175.60 I: 2.00
Ari Atoll
A: 2271.75 R: 489.40 I: 8.30
Felidhe Atoll
A: 1090.97 R: 251.10 I: 0.92
2N
Vattaru Atoll
A: 46.72 R: 46.72 I: 0.01
North Nilandhe Atoll
A: 597.15 R: 151.30 I: 2.20
Mulaku Atoll
1N A: 983.92 R: 197.30 I: 4.20
South Nilandhe Atoll
A: 736.46 R: 179.40 I: 4.40
Kolhumadulu Atoll A: Land Area (sqkm)
A: 1695.79 R: 243.70 I: 9.30 R: Reef Area (Sqkm)
Hadhdhunmathi Atoll
A: 884.63 R: 203.70 I: 23.10 I: No of Islands
0N
Equator Huvadhoo Atoll Islands
A: 3278.59 R: 437.90 I: 34.30
Reefs
Fuvahmulah Atoll
A: 10.18 R: 10.18 I: 5.13 0 20 100 Km
Addu Atoll
73E
found on the rims of the 16 complex bleaching. During the 1998 El Nino
atolls, five make up ocean faros and four event monthly mean SST was 1.24 S.D.
are oceanic platform reefs. The rest are above the 1950 to 1999 average, with
found as patch reefs within the lagoons the greatest anomaly in May of +2.1C
of the complex atolls. Figure 15 shows a (Edwards et al., 2001). During that event
diagrammatic outline of these major coral bleaching was first reported in mid-
coral reef structures. The total area of the April. Bleaching was reported to be
atolls including the atoll lagoons is severe from late April to mid-May with
2
approximately 21,372km and the total some recovery evident by late-May.
2
reef area is close to 4,500km
The reefs in the central and northern
representing 20% of the total area of the
region were more affected than the other
atolls. Thiladhunmathi Atoll has the
regions (Zahir, 1999). Significant
largest reef area with approximately
2 reductions in live coral cover were seen
500km while Ari Atoll has the second
2
at reefs in the central atolls, with average
largest with 489km (Figure 5.8).
live coral cover decreasing from about
The coral reef system of the Maldives 42% to 2%, a 20-fold reduction from
supports rich marine biological diversity. pre-bleaching levels. Almost 98% of
Over 1090 species of fish, 36 species of branching corals died whereas the
sponges, 180 species of stony corals and majority of massive corals survived the
250 species of hermatypic corals are bleaching (Edwards et al., 2001).
found. In addition, 9 species of whales, Monitoring programs have shown that
15 to 20 species of sharks and seven recovery of both coral cover and species
species of dolphins and five species of diversity is underway with dominance of
turtles have also been observed. recruitment by branching corals (Edwards
Altogether 285 species of algae, five et al., 2001). On 23 March 2003,
species of seagrass, 400 species of several species of branching corals from
molluscs, 350 species of crustaceans and the genus Acropora released thousands
80 species of echinoderms have been of bright red eggs and sperm bundles
documented (MHAHE, 2002; MEC, into the Indian Ocean. This indicates that
2004). the corals have reached maturity and as
the new generation of coral colonies
Corals are highly sensitive to changes in continues to grow, increased spawning is
temperature and some species of corals expected in the coming years and there is
live at or near their thermal limits hope that the Maldivian reefs will fully
(Goreau, 1992). As a result the incidence recover.
of bleaching will increase in frequency
and intensity with the projected rise in On the other hand, estimates of April
SST. The evidence from the reefs of the mean monthly SST suggests a rise of
Maldives supports that warming of the 0.16C per decade. If this trend
ocean surface leads to significant coral continues, by 2030 mean April SST in
39 Vulnerabilities and Impacts
the central atolls will normally exceed reduces the chances of the islands of
the anomaly level at which corals appear Maldives to naturally adapt to the
et al., 2001).
The impacts on the reefs would affect
As mass spawning and recruitment in the tourism, fisheries, food security and
Chapter VI
Adaptation Needs and
Priority Adaptation Strategies
Build capacity for coastal protection, coastal zone management and flood
76.14 1
control.
Develop coastal protection for airports and development focus islands. 32.94 5
Develop climate change adaptation policy and strategy for tourism. 16.84 22
Chapter VII
Adaptation Projects
Project
Project Title
Number
4 Coastal protection of airports and focus islands to reduce the risk from sea induced flooding
and predicted sea level rise.
5 Mainstreaming climate change adaptation into development planning and National Disaster
Management Framework to accommodate adaptation measures in future development and
disaster management plans.
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 46
11 Preventing coral and sand mining from coral reefs, lagoons and beaches to maintain their
natural status and increase the resilience of natural environment to climate change.
13 Build the information base on vulnerability of reef fishery to the predicted impacts of
climate change and variabilities to determine adaptation measures required for integrated
reef fishery management.
14 Strengthening capacity of healthcare delivery and streamlining planning of healthcare
services to adapt to climate change related health risks
15 Improve rainwater harvesting to secure availability of safe water and reduce vulnerability to
changes in precipitation caused by climate change.
16 Increase resilience of coral reefs to reduce the vulnerability of islands, communities and
reef -dependant economic activities to predicted climate change.
17 Enhance adaptive capacity to manage climate change related risks to water resources
through increasing knowledge, strengthening regulatory framework and adoption of
appropriate new technologies.
18 Improve the design and construction of access infrastructure in Maldives to increase the
resilience of access infrastructure and island beaches to climate change.
19 Investigating alternative livebait management, catch, culture and holding techniques
in the Maldives to reduce vulnerability of the tuna fishery sector to the predicted
climate change and variability.
20 Improve the health status of the population, particularly children, by the prevention and
management of vector-borne diseases caused by changes in temperature and flooding due
to extreme rainfall.
47 Adaptation Projects - Project 1
required to manage the coastal islands and the majority report severe
environment in order to maintain the erosion. Coral reefs which stand as the
concern for all inhabited islands. Urgent 1.5 Undertake feasibility study to
actions needs to be taken to establish the conduct a coastal zone
human resources, technical capacity and management course in the
institutional setup to minimize or Maldives College for Higher
mitigate the impacts from human Education.
activities and facilitate the natural 1.6 Develop curriculum for a coastal
adaptation processes to work, in order to zone management course in the
maximize the chances of adaptation to Maldives College for Higher
climate change. Education
Financial resources
from the smaller, more vulnerable access to air travel, (ii) coastal protection
islands onto larger, better protected (iii) sufficient space for subsequent
ones. Several components of the Safer population growth (iv) potential for
Island Strategy may in fact contribute to expansion (v) proximity to another island
climate change impacts and natural another island, (vi) a viable economy and
The concept of the safe islands is to the safer island strategy. This project
Outcome
1.2 Assess and evaluate the specific
vulnerabilities of the proposed Adaptation to future climate change
host islands to the climate scenarios fully integrated in the safer
hazards island strategy of the Maldives.
grown vegetables and fruits for nutrition knowledge, access to technologies, best
while the staple diet of imported rice and practices, marketing and pest control.
applicable to adaptation.
Short-term outputs
Short-term outputs 4 Recommendations on seed and
requirements. system.
Short-term outputs
Project Management: Full time project
4 Guidebook and manuals on pests staff will be recruited.
and diseases
due their low elevation and proximity to develop technical and engineering
coastline, the infrastructure of the five solutions. They also lack the financial
the past, during natural disasters and priority to protect these investments to
severe weather events, airport operations avoid substantial economic losses in the
Maldives is far from achieving such an into national level planning process.
approach. There is an urgent need for Hence, the island level adaptation
planning process and to the disaster largely reliant on how far the national
4 Methodological framework
developed to assess individual
island exposure to climate
change.
Financial resources
population. The sector also provides including those related to variability and
distribution and construction as well as felt not only within that sector but also
Additional 10,000 beds are planned over enterprises and entire sectors that are in
among the most vulnerable and least sound environmental management there
defensible in the world. The resorts are are no direct efforts to adapt to the
4 Report on the costs and benefits Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation
of adaptation measures
Partner agencies
4 A tourism adaptation
implementation strategy
Ministry of Environment, Energy and
Water; Maldives Association of Tourism
Outcome
Industry; National Chamber of
Effectiveness of tourism adaptation Commerce and Industry; Ministry of
demonstrated and communicated Planning and National Development;
leading to a more resilient tourism Ministry of Economic Development and
sector. Trade; National Disaster Management
Center
Objective 3: Increase understanding of
climate change adaptation policies and Project Steering Committee
Financial resources
level and frequent and more intense due to insufficient knowledge, limited
framework islands.
Institutional arrangement:
.Evaluation and monitoring
Lead agency
The project will be monitored according
Ministry of Construction and Public to the national M&E standards set by
Infrastructure President's Office and MPND. Quarterly
progress reports, expenditure reports,
Partner agencies annual monitoring reports will be
submitted to MPND. In addition, any
Ministry of Atolls Development; Ministry
donor finance agency requirements on
of Planning and National Development;
M&E will be fulfilled.
Ministry of Housing and Urban
Development; Ministry of Environment,
Financial resources
Energy and Water; National Disaster
Management Centre.
Total Project Cost: US$1,970,000
uses such as bathing and washing in all aquifer will be exacerbated as current use
quality and the quantity of freshwater in islands and where natural water
the aquifer vary from island to island as catchment areas are found they are
size of the islands and permeability of often reclaimed for additional land or
In the absence of this project there will risks to the aquifer systems due
be lack of information on the risks to the to climate change-related
integrity of groundwater aquifers and hazards.
catchments. The hydrology, hydrogeology
1.3 Assess the hydrology and
and recharge dynamics of aquifers are
hydrogeology of natural water
poorly understood now. Laws, policies
catchment areas and their
and regulations on water resource
potential as a reservoir and as
management is insufficient or absent
stormwater flood control.
leading to weak institutional capacity.
Continued pressure on water resources
1.4 Study options to protect and
would result in loss of adaptive capacity
manage groundwater aquifers at
for climate change impacts.
local level.
Activities
Objective 3: Acquire and demonstrate
2.1 Review existing regulations on sound water technologies suitable to
water resources management small coral island environment.
and landuse planning to
Activities
incorporate climate change-
related risk management.
3.1 Demonstrate infiltration gallery
technology in selected islands.
2.2 Develop policies, standards and
guidelines for management of
3.2 Undertake an in-depth
groundwater aquifers in
assessment of solar desalination
inhabited islands.
technology and pilot test the
technology in a selected
2.3 Provide technical assistance for
location.
the development and
implementation of management
3.3 Demonstrate aquifer recharging
plans for water catchment areas
technologies in selected
by communities.
vulnerable islands.
Short-term outputs
3.5 Identify and document the
4 Draft regulations that address lessons from demonstration sites
climatic risks to groundwater and develop replicable Aquifer
aquifers. System Management Guidelines.
4 Policies, standards and guidelines
Short-term outputs
for management of groundwater
aquifers in inhabited islands 4 Applicability of infiltration gallery
and barrier removal for
4 Management plans for water
implementation determined.
catchment areas.
4 In-depth technology assessment
4 Awareness materials and
on solar desalination.
programmes prevention of
salinisation. 4 Demonstration of solar
79 Adaptation Projects - Project 8
Partner agencies
Objective 1: Promote public health policy Objective 2: Build alliances among health
to adapt to climate change and other development sectors for
strategic planning and health promotion
Activities
Activities
1.1 Evaluate the efficacy of current
health policies to address 2.1 Develop methods to integrate
changing patterns of vector- health impact studies into
borne pathogens, flooding, environmental impact
malnutrition, heat stress and assessment and for the
extreme events. participation of health officials in
decision making on EIAs
1.2 Identify based on the review of
existing policies the new policies, 2.2 Develop methods to integrate
strategies and measures to cope healthy islands concept in
with the additional burden of land-use planning
climate change and variability.
2.3 Develop public health guidelines
1.3 Identify barriers to the for the construction industry
implementation of the covering aspects such as
adaptation policies and prevention of mosquito breeding
strategies in construction sites; adequate
ventilation and lighting in houses
1.4 Estimate the additional cost of
and buildings; and convenient
climate change adaptation to the
access to elderly and people with
health sector
special needs.
Short-term outputs
2.4 Undertake a comprehensive
4 Review of existing policies and stakeholder analysis on climate
measures and health
4 Assessment of policy needs and
2.5 Develop a framework to mobilize
barriers
intersectoral action and
4 Cost-benefit analysis of climate
coordination for climate and
change adaptation
health
Project Management
Financial resources
that increase the vulnerability of human and scrub typhus are now major public
Partner agencies
Project Management
Financial resources
crucial factors defining the physical is currently being practiced only in the
vulnerability of land in Maldives. Coral outer atolls especially atolls furthest from
reefs provide protection for islands by Male'. The poorest islands usually are
dissipating wave energy and by providing unable to bear the comparatively high
itself are critical to maintain the natural Strong enforcement of mining regulations
adaptive capacity of an island. With the without proper alternatives, also causes
predicted climate change, and associated the risks of most vulnerable groups to
Sea Surface Temperature (SST) rise and increase as their houses are constructed
Sea Level Rise (SLR), the growth of reefs is substandard, exposing them to intense
predicted to be highly limited and the flood and wind damage risks associated
number of sectors and vulnerable groups. 1.2 Develop alternative policy tools
Sectors such as tourism and fisheries to reduce the existing economic
benefit from the better conserved reefs barriers to affordable
and the practice of poor quality housing construction material.
especially in the small outer islands are
1.3 Implement the necessary policy
eliminated, reducing the vulnerability of
tools.
those structures to flood and wind
damage. Experiences from this project
Short term Outputs
can be further replicated to similar
4 Feasibility study for alternate
archipelagic Small Island Developing
sources of construction material
States to manage critical natural
in outer atolls.
resources that are in high demand from
both a human activity and a 4 Policy tools developed to
4 A number of community
Outcome involvement activities in
monitoring coral and sand
Improved enforcement of coral and sand
mining activities supported.
mining regulations
Outcome
Objective 3: Facilitate community role in
awareness building and regulation Community involvement in coastal
enforcement. management increased
Activities
Implementation
3.1 Develop awareness within
Institutional arrangement
NGO's, IDCs and WDCs on
climate change risks and the
Lead agency
impacts of coral and sand
mining on future adaptation Ministry of Environment, Energy and
efforts. Programs would include Water
awareness raising workshops
Partner agencies
conducted at atoll or island level
4 Import dependence on
construction industry increases
4 Research training needs identified will be responsible for all planning and
Activities
Implementation
2.1 Gather knowledge on traditional
reef fisheries management to Institutional arrangement:
identify lessons to enhance
Lead agency
future adaptive capacity.
community-based management
Ministry of Economic Development and
approaches as an adaptation
Trade, Maldives Customs Service, Ministry
measure for reef fishery
of Environment, Energy and Water;
management.
Ministry of Atolls Development; Ministry
2.4 Raise awareness among key of Finance and Treasury; Atolls Offices;
practices.
Project Steering Committee
Short-term outputs
Policy-level officials, community
4 Compilation of lessons learned representatives, private sector and NGOs
from traditional reef fisheries
management. Project Management: Project
management unit will be established.
4 CBA report on 'no-take zones' as
an adaptation tool for reef
fishery.
Risks and barriers
Financial resources
diseases especially water- and vector- and 52 health posts distributed across
borne diseases. For vector-borne the Maldives. However, the facilities and
infections the distribution and services in many of these islands are still
intermediate hosts are affected by ensure that all Maldivians, even those
humidity, flooding and wind. The biotic have equal access to quality primary
factors that contribute to vector-borne health care. At least one health post is
solid waste management, poor sewage placed on the quality of services provided
and wastewater disposal and poor by ensuring that facilities at various levels
nutrition exacerbate quality of health. are adequately staffed and equipped for
the type of care required at each level.
According to the recent scientific
evidence climate change has already Access to medicines is also a major
started to occur, and even in the best challenge in the atolls, especially with
scenarios the people are going to face regard to combating epidemic diseases.
direct and indirect health effects over the In 2004 one in five of the island
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 100
Short-term outputs
Risks and barriers
Financial feasibility of community
pharmacies and investment plan. The lack of information and awareness
on climate related diseases is a key
Manuals, operating procedures and barrier. Thus there may be a need to
equipment provided to regional and atoll sensitize politicians on the strategies and
hospital laboratories to diagnose climate methods of work outlined in this project.
change related diseases.
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 102
Financial resources
dependency of the atoll population on supply are not well-understood and weak
1.6 Develop protocols for use and and poor water quality.
management of community
2.2 Enable water quality testing at
rainwater tanks.
community level.
Short-term outputs
2.3 Develop and publicize protocols
4 Baseline assessment of existing and procedures for regular water
rainwater storage capacity. testing and quality assurance.
4 Storage tanks and retrofitting
Short-term outputs
materials made available.
4 Assessment report on rainwater
4 Guidelines and standards for
quality with recommendations to
rainwater collection and storage.
improve water quality.
105 Adaptation Projects - Project 15
Lead agency
Partner agencies
Project Management
on the biological and geomorphologic coral reefs, the reefs of the entire country
functioning of the reef environment for are vulnerable to the effects of future
base such as tourism and fisheries, and areas such as reef fishery zones,
livelihood of most Maldivians are directly inhabited island reefs and reefs hosting
islands, but also could lead to the loss of hindrances to protect the reef from what
fisheries industry. The risks linked to climate change. The coral reef and coral
activities such as sand and coral mining, gaps in scientific research. Research is
snorkeler damage, anchor damage, required on coral reefs, coral islands and
how they naturally adapt to climate
107 Adaptation Projects - Project 16
selection of MPAs.
5.3 Develop a comprehensive
4 Report on effectiveness of MPAs training package on coral reef
and next steps. science and management to be
4 Guidelines on different reef integrated into the existing
resource uses. Coastal Zone Management
methods.
5.4 Conduct appropriate training
4 Monitoring plan for reef fishery programmes for atoll and island
stock. office staff on coral reef
4 Cost-benefit-analysis of options management.
to reduce marine transport-
5.5 Carry out awareness among
related impacts on reefs.
NGO's, IDCs and WDCs on
4 Best practice guidelines on
climate change risks and the
snorkeling, diving and water
importance of coral reef
sports activities.
management on future natural
adaptation of islands and reefs.
Outcome
representatives
Evaluation and monitoring
Project Management Team
The project will be monitored according
Officials from Ministry of Environment, to the national M&E standards set by
Energy and Water and Marine Research President's Office and MPND. Quarterly
Centre. progress reports, expenditure reports,
annual monitoring reports will be
Risks and barriers submitted to MPND. In addition, any
Maldives impact the health and well- reduce vulnerability to climate change
being of the people, environment and and particularly extreme events, the
The water resources are highly vulnerable expand foundational capacity building in
3.3 Disseminate final results from 4.4 Position and empower private
demonstration projects for sector and communities to effect
assessment and replication. their own management
strategies for water and
3.4 Implement information sharing
wastewater.
with other Small Island
Developing States Short-term outputs
Financial resources
Implementation
Total project cost: US$ 800,000
Institutional arrangement
Lead agency
Partner agencies
Project Management
causes and their potential magnitude of harbours and 3 major ports valued over
damage are exacerbated due to improper US$200 million located within Maldives.
construction, has inadvertently led the islands by 2008. Almost all current
harbours. Maldives being one of the least material for breakwater construction. A
developed countries could not in the past few high cost harbours exists based on
afford the high costs of climate resilient climate resilient designs and their
structures. As a result, majority of the strength was further revealed during the
Activities
Project Steering Committee
Financial resources
US$3,800,000
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 122
Live bait is a pre-requisite for the pole The possibility of catching livebait in the
and line fishery in the Maldives. Without open outer atoll water will be another
adequate and continuous supply of useful adaptation option. It will have the
livebait pole-and-line fishery will not additional benefit of relieving
exist. The bait is traditionally caught exploitation pressure on coral reef for
during daytime using a square lift net livebait. This will contribute to richer
deployed alongside the boat. The bait biological diversity and sustainable eco-
fishery has seen rapid changes in recent tourism development.
years and fishermen now use lights at
night for catching bait. Tuna fishing activities in the Maldives are
directly related to livelihoods and play a
Coral reefs are the habitats for livebait critical role in poverty alleviation in the
and they are highly vulnerable to islands. The human stresses on the coral
changes in SST and other climate reefs of the Maldives are acute due to
changes. This has significant implications rapid developments such as reclamation,
for the availability of bait as shown by harbour dredging, and sand mining. On
the 1998 coral bleaching event when the other hand a highly successful
abundance of long nose file fish tourism industry is promoting
(Oxymonocanthus longirostris) rapidly sustainable use of the reef resources and
123 Adaptation Projects - Project 19
their involvement will have added livebait catching, culture and storage to
sustainable bait fishery methods. Their changes and consequent habitat changes.
1.4 Study and evaluate the potential 4 Economic and financial feasibility
Institutional arrangement
Lead agency
Partner agencies
Project Management
rates as high as 10%. Although mortality poor solid waste disposal, increasing
rate has declined to 1% with appropriate number of construction work sites and
case management, scrub typhus continue poor sewage and wastewater disposal
and responsibilities of
Climate change-related vectors
government agencies and
proactively controlled through Integrated
island/atoll councils in IVM.
Vector Management (IVM).
management, implementation
2.2 Improve tracking and reporting
and/or monitoring of the IVM
of vector-borne diseases cases to
program.
facilitate timely response to
outbreaks and mitigate their
Short-term outputs
impact.
4 A stakeholder participation plan
for IVM. 2.3 Strengthen laboratory capacity
4 IVM included in the mandate of for early diagnosis.
island/atoll councils
129 Adaptation Projects - Project 20
Outcome
Financial resources
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Annex
137 Annex 1 - Maldives NAPA processes and key steps
Annex 1
Maldives NAPA Process and
Key Steps
NAPA process was guided by the and Measures, and Project Proposals. The
principles of transparency, broad country-driven NAPA of 2006 is the
stakeholder engagement, partnership successive climate change adaptation
building among focal agencies, strategy that precedes the Second
community participation and ownership National Communication. Hence the
by the people of Maldives especially the NAPA goes beyond the policies and
atoll population, multi-disciplinary measures in the FNC and the project
analysis and synergy with national profiles included needs speedy
development policies. implementation.
The procedures in the UNFCCC The NAPA project in the Maldives was
Annotated Guidelines for the Preparation implemented as part of the Integrated
of National Adaptation Programmes of Climate Change Strategy (ICCS) that
Action was adapted and streamlined to included the Technology Needs
suit the Maldives. The Maldives has Assessment for mitigation and
already undertaken several studies on adaptation and, the National Capacity
the vulnerability of the nation and the Self-Assessment.
special adaptation needs of the country.
The ICCS is also consistent with the policy
The Maldives submitted its FNC in 2001
directive in the Sixth National
that included National GHG Inventory,
Development Plan to pursue a
Mitigation Plan for GHG Emissions,
programmatic as opposed to project-
Vulnerability to Climate Change,
based approach when implementing the
Adaptation to Climate Change, Policies
Government's policies and to create
National Adaptation Programme of Action - Maldives 138
activities under the NAPA framework. The Environment, Energy and Water
Water the lead agency, and other key 4 Banyan Tree Resort Maldives
players including stakeholders such as
members of relevant government Partnership building
Authority - Male'.
4 Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed - Energy and Water. These papers will be
predicted climate change hazards and held. The stakeholders were informed
development sectors was drawn up. The vulnerabilities of the islands' ecosystem,
matrix was used as a guide to produce economy and people to the identified
the list of vulnerable sectors that needed hazards and about the impacts of climate
4 what are the existing measures circulated for feedback and input from
that reduce the vulnerability of respective government agencies who will
systems and groups to climate have primary responsibility for their
change? implementation. The profiles were also
Once the adaptation activities were reflect specific geographic and economic
hierarchy process was used to prioritize developing state made up of 1190 small
decision tool pair-wise ranking was used tourism, coral reef and beaches play a
by the stakeholders to first give weights critical role in the economic agenda of
the public consultations held a very high policies and measures are integrated into
level of enthusiasm was shown by the 7NDP. Most of the NAPA policies and
community leaders which augers well for measures are cross-cutting in nature and
the implementation of the NAPA. In the contribute to several important
aftermath of the tsunami there is a very development sectors. The NAPA policies
high level of realisation of the also contribute to the protection of
vulnerability of the country and the need important environmental resources such
for risk reduction. as water, soils, land and biological
diversity.
The criteria for prioritization of
adaptation activities were determined The adaptation measures in the NAPA are
based on national development directly relevant to the guiding principles,
priorities. A tailor-made analytical goals and strategies of the 7NDP. The
framework based on how the adaptation 7NDP identifies the vulnerable low lying
measures affect the level and quality of islands and fragile reef environment as a
capital assets natural, human and key challenge to sustainable
produced capital was used to evaluate development in the Maldives and
adaptation activities. endorses the NAPA as a means to address
the challenge posed by global warming
Contribution to overall sustainable and sea level rise. The policies and
government and in his foreword to the NAPA process and provided continuing
NAPA the President called for all feedback to improve the NAPA.
In addition to the inclusion of NAPA in feedback. The draft text of the NAPA was
the 7NDP the Third National distributed to all the members of the
dedicated chapter for addressing global government for comments and feedback.
Transparency
Annex 2
List of participants in the
national and regional
workshops
33 Ahmed Haneef
34 Mohamed Zahid
35 Ibrahim Rasheed Hithadhoo-Seenu
36 Mohamed Rasheed Moosa
37 Aishath Zuhaira Hithadhoo-Seenu
38 Fathmath Shifaza Hulhudhoo-Seenu
39 Mohamed Shimaz
40 Saudulla Hameed Hithadhoo-Seenu
41 Aminath Mohamed Hithadhoo-Seenu
Ministry of Environment Energy and Water