The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has signed a consultancy agreement with Nippon Koei Co., Ltd to advance coastal conservation efforts under the Building Climate Resilient Safer Islands in the Maldives project. The initiative is jointly implemented by the Government of Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with funding support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and JICA.
The project seeks to establish long-term solutions to safeguard communities and infrastructure from coastal hazards. Civil works are planned for four priority islands: Addu City Meedhoo, Laamu Fonadhoo, Laamu Gan, and Laamu Isdhoo.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project includes policy and capacity-building components. These involve drafting a national coastal protection policy, preparing island-level protection plans, and establishing a data collection system for long-term monitoring and maintenance. Preliminary designs for erosion control on the four islands have already been completed, and a draft national policy has undergone stakeholder review.
Under the newly signed contract, Nippon Koei will be responsible for finalising detailed designs, conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA), supporting procurement processes, supervising civil works, and training ministry staff in technical disciplines.
State Minister Abdulla Ziyad, who signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry, stated that detailed designs are expected to be completed within six months. Construction is anticipated to begin next year following the selection of contractors.
The project marks a significant step in the Maldives’ efforts to enhance climate resilience and protect vulnerable coastal communities through sustainable and science-based solutions.
