Maldives rolls out project to strengthen early warning systems for climate resilience
A new initiative aimed at enhancing the Maldives’ capacity to respond to climate-related hazards was officially launched today under the name ‘Thayyaaru,’ which means prepared.
The project seeks to strengthen early warning systems and disaster preparedness across the country’s island communities.
The launch event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Maldives.
Given the Maldives’ vulnerability to extreme weather, such as flooding, sea surges, and prolonged dry spells, this project aims to address gaps in the nation’s existing meteorological infrastructure.
The country’s dispersed geography and limited resources have made it challenging to issue timely and accurate weather alerts.
Through a partnership between UNDP and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), and as part of UNDP’s South-South Cooperation platform, the ‘Thayyaaru’ project will support the upgrading of meteorological systems, including the maintenance of Automated Weather Stations and radar networks.
It will also introduce advanced technologies to improve data collection and forecasting.
The project places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with a commitment to developing localized, gender-sensitive communication tools and digital platforms to ensure communities receive timely and relevant alerts.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim emphasized the importance of the project, stating,
This initiative will significantly improve our disaster preparedness and early warning capabilities, aligning with our national goals and global commitments such as the Early Warning for All initiative.
Minister Thoriq stated
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, highlighted China’s commitment to global climate efforts, noting that this project marks the first tripartite cooperation between China, UNDP, and the Maldives.
Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance climate resilience in island nations and support the protection of our shared home.
Ambassador Kong Xianhua stated
UNDP Resident Representative Enrico Gaveglia added that accessing climate finance remains a challenge for Small Island Developing States like the Maldives.
He stressed that initiatives such as ‘Thayyaaru’ demonstrate the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing climate emergencies in the region.
The project is a key step toward building a more resilient Maldives, where communities are better equipped to face the increasing impacts of climate change.
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