The Steering Committee for the Maldives Resilient Reef Ecosystem and Economy for Future (Maldives RREEF) project has commenced its work.
The Maldives RREEF Project, backed by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the Australian Government through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to secure financial support for reef conservation and other environmental initiatives in the Maldives. The project, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment and UNDP, is slated to last eight years. The Australian Government has pledged USD 3.3 million over five years to support the initiative.
The initial phase of the project focuses on the renovation of the nature parks in southernmost Addu City and Fuvahmulah City. An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Environment and the Addu City and Fuvahmulah City Councils in October 2024, allocating USD 129,700 for this purpose. Under the agreement, the existing nature parks in both cities will be renovated and equipped with necessary facilities.
The Ministry of Environment and UNDP have formed a steering committee to oversee the project’s implementation. On Monday, the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim announced the commencement of the committee’s work in a social media post. While the first phase targets Addu Citu and Fuvahmulah, the Minister said future collaborations will involve residents of other targeted island and relevant agencies.
The committee’s first meeting was co-chaired by Minister Thoriq Ibrahim and the UNDP Resident Representative Enrico Gaveglia.
When the Maldives Resilient Reef Project was officially launched, the government announced that it would seek to extend foreign assistance to local companies involved in reef-related activities under the project. The project will also include a valuation of the country’s natural reefs.