The Government of Maldives and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has formulated a project to support vulnerable Maldivian communities to manage climate change-induced water shortages.
The project formulated with UNDP will facilitate the government to deliver safe and secure freshwater for 105,000 people living in the islands at risk of climate change. The project was signed by The Minister of Environment and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, on behalf of the government of Maldives.
Speaking at the function held to sign the project, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said that this achievement is remarkable and the government has high hopes for this project as it will address the country's water issues. Regarding the project, UN resident Coordinator and UNDP resident representative in Maldives, Shoko Noda said that Maldives has been at the forefront of global efforts in raising awareness about climate change. This marks the launch of the very first GCF-funded project supported by UNDP in the world.
The five year project targets 49 islands across 13 atolls which continue to experience water shortages linked to low rainfall and extended dry periods brought on mainly by climate changes. The project aims to bring a paradigm shift towards climate change-resilient and cost-effective water supply management in the country.
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The government will establish water production facilities in 4 islands across the most vulnerable regions in North which acts as distribution hubs for seven northern islands during the dry season, the remaining 45 islands in North and South will benefit from improved rainwater collection infrastructure combined with ground water quality improvements, for long term resilience. The outer islands of the Maldives experience drinking water shortages during the dry season.
These shortages have had significant adverse human, environmental and social impacts on the outer island. The key problems pertaining to freshwater security relate to the increasingly variable rainfall patterns induced by climate change and sea-level rise induced salinity of groundwater. The Government faces constraints in responding to the challenge at hand without assistance, especially in the context of anticipated impacts of climate change.
With this project, formulated with UNDP, the government will be able to deliver safe and secure freshwater for people living in the islands at risk of climate change. Also a reserve of clean water will be secured for the dry period.
The government of the Maldives actively invests in the water sector. The project will directly contribute in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, clean water and Sanitation. The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with co-financing from the Government and UNDP.