Project

Enhancing National Development through Environmentally Resilient Islands (ENDhERI)

05 Oct 2021

The Government of the Republic of Maldives through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology is implementing Enhancing National Development through Environmentally Resilient Islands (ENDhERI) project financed by Global Environment Facility (GEF) and assisted by United Nations Environment Program (UN Environment).

Project Goals

This project aims to assist the government of the Maldives in its implementation of new environmental policies and transition towards national adoption of Green Growth atoll development that will sustain marine Natural Capital (NC) and strengthen the resilience and recovery of reef ecosystems. This will be informed by learning from atoll-wide integrated coastal zone management within a Managed Marine Area / Biosphere Reserve framework, and the application of innovative sustainability practices and standards in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and construction sectors as the basis for transforming the human ecological footprint in Laamu Atoll and taking this up to national level through sector transformation, spatial planning and improved governance based on NC accounting.

Project Objective

The intermediate objective of this transformation is to minimize the flows of pollutants from land-based activities into the adjacent marine environment and reduce marine-based drivers of reef degradation including baitfish and reef fisheries. Overall, the project seeks to enhance reef ecosystem integrity and resilience through sustainable management, reducing development impacts and integrating NC accounting into national planning.

Project Components

  • Component 1: Green growth development for Laamu Atoll in the fisheries and agriculture, tourism and construction sectors
  • Component 2: Building social capital for a green economy
  • Component 3: Mainstreaming natural capital accounting into fisheries and agriculture, tourism and construction sectors
  • Component 4: Knowledge management and M&E

Main partners involved

  • Housing Development Corporation
  • Blue Marine Foundation
  • Six Senses Laamu
  • Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture
  • Maldives Bureau of Statistics

 

Reports:

     

Project Timeline

01 Feb 2023

First Stakeholder Meeting Regarding Natural Capital Account Development

ENDhERI Project and University of New South Wales (UNSW) held the first stakeholders meeting regarding the consultancy for developing Natural Capital Accounting in the Maldives. During the meeting a brief introduction of the planned NCA development was provided by UNSW, and discussions were held on the composition of the Technical Committee that would advise and guide the work that would be carried out under this consultancy.

Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Dr. Abdulla Naseer and representatives from stakeholder agencies including Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources, Environmental Protection Agency and Maldives National University as well as representatives from industry bodies such as Maldives Association of Tourism Industry participated in this meeting.

24 Jan 2023

National Coral Reef Monitoring Framework Training of Trainers Workshop

ENDhERI Project, in association with Maldives Marine Research Institute conducted a training of trainers (ToT) workshop to train citizen scientists in Laamu atoll to gather data for the National Coral Reef Monitoring Framework.

This three-day on-line training program was attended by members of the Blue Marine Foundation and ENDhERI staff, where they were provided information on the National Coral Reef Monitoring Protocols, including monitoring techniques, data entry and data management, and coral recruitment.

Later this year these trainers from Blue Marine Foundation and ENDhERI project will conduct sessions in Laamu with the target of establishing at least one coral surveyor in each island of the atoll.

19 Dec 2022

Small Grants Working Session

ENDhERI project held a working session in Laamu Fonadhoo for small grants applicants whose proposals were shortlisted. The purpose of this session was to further refine and improve the proposals to fit within the criteria set out in the Small Grants application guidelines. 7 representatives from various Women's Development Committees, non-governmental organisations and schools attended this meeting.

19 Dec 2022

More from the Small Grants Working Session

17 Nov 2022

Natural Capital Accounting Consultancy Service Agreement Signed

Under the ENDhERI Project, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology signed a consultancy agreement on 17th November 2022 with the University of New South Wales, Sydney for the development of Natural Capital Accounting, including initiating pilot testing of the SEEA Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA) in Laamu Atoll.

Deliverables under this two-year agreement include establishment and operation of a National Natural Capital Accounting Technical Committee and Expert Group on NCA,GIS map of Laamu atoll showing all Protected Areas, environmentally sensitive areas, known biodiversity hotspots, and key areas sustaining marine production and selected NC accounts of Laamu atoll linked to the national accounts maintained and reported on by Maldives Bureau of Statistics.

26 Sep 2022

Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) Workshop

ENDhERI project held a workshop for the Island Councils of Laamu on the project’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). ESMF serves to identify and mitigate potential environmental and societal impacts arising from project activities.
During the workshop participants were thoroughly informed on the Grievance Redress Mechanisms available to them through the project’s ESMF, which sets out the process to address concerns from the communities with transparent decision-making and with involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
Information was also provided on the various tools that are utilised alongside the ESMF such as the Stakeholder Engagement Plan, Gender Action Plan and the Communication and Outreach Plan. 18 participants from the atoll's island councils and council secretariats participated in this workshop.

26 Sep 2022

More from the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) Workshop

09 Aug 2022

ENDhERI Project Task Manager field visit to Laamu

Max Zieren, Task Manager for the ENDhERI project from the United Nations Environment Program visited islands of Laamu to meet with project stakeholders and observe the environmental concerns in the atoll that are being addressed by project components.

Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Dr. Abdullah Naseer, and the ENDhERI project team accompanied Mr. Zieren during this visit. Separate meetings were held with the Laamu Atoll Council, Island Councils of Hithadhoo and Maavah, and the marine research and conservation team from Six Senses Laamu resort to discuss ongoing and planned activities.
The trip also included a visit to the protected mangrove area of Maabaidhoo.

09 Aug 2023

More from ENDhERI Project Task Manager field visit to Laamu

08 Aug 2022

ENDhERI Project’s 2nd Steering Committee meeting

ENDhERI Project held its second steering committee meeting. The meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology Dr. Abdulla Naseer. Max Zieren, Task Manager from GEF assigned to ENDhERI project also attended this meeting in person.

During the meeting, the project team presented to the committee on the work progress and activities planned for the future. Mr. Zieren also elaborated on the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms established by the project to ensure that project goals are met.

13 Jun 2022

Mangroves, Wetlands and Nature Parks Experience Tour in Addu and Fuahmulah

ENDhERI project hosted a contingent of island council and Women's Development Committee members from Laamu Atoll on a tour of mangroves, wetlands and nature parks in Addu Atoll and Fuvahmulah.
The second such tour arranged by the project, these tours were arranged to facilitate the local government of Laamu to gain exposure and experience on established best practices of protected area management in the Maldives.
This trip also included meetings with city councils of both Addu and Fuvahmulah and presentations from officials involved in the establishment and operation of these Nature Parks.
This round of the tour included guided stops at Addu Nature Park in Hithadhoo, Mathikilhi Eco Garden in Hulhumeedhoo, and Dhadimagi, Bandaara and Kodakilhi wetlands in Fuvahmulah

13 Jun 2022

More from Mangroves, Wetlands and Nature Parks Experience Tour in Addu and Fuahmulah

30 May 2022

Small Grants Information Workshop

A workshop was held to inform Women’s Development Committees, school management officials and civil societies from Laamu atoll about the small grants initiative that would be soon launched by ENDhERI project.

Over 40 participants from islands of Laamu attended this workshop where information was provided on the intention and scope of small grants, small grant application process, and proposal evaluation criteria.

Grants amounting to a total of over MVR 2.2 million would be distributed to support and implement the projects on specific focal areas which include protected area management, citizen science activities, agricultural diversification and sustainable fisheries.

30 May 2022

More from Small Grants Information Workshop

15 May 2022

Environmental Awareness Session for Students – Leg 2

Environmental awareness sessions for students from grade 6 to 9 were completed for rest of the schools in Laamu.

Sessions were conducted in Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Dhanbidhoo, Maabaidhoo, Mundoo, Maamendhoo, Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo and Maavah.

A total of 340 students participated in these sessions, which covered the importance of environmental conservation, protected areas in the atoll, and issues of water and waste management.

15 May 2022

More from Environmental Awareness Session for Students – Leg 2

18 Apr 2022

Environmental Awareness Session for Students – Leg 1

Environmental awareness sessions were held for students from grade 6 to 9 of three schools in Laamu Gan and Fonadhoo.

Sessions were conducted in Ihaddhoo School, Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani school and Laamu Atoll Education Center.

Over 90 students participated in these sessions, which covered the importance of environmental conservation, protected areas in the atoll, and issues of water and waste management.

18 Apr 2022

More from Environmental Awareness Session for Students – Leg 1

24 Mar 2022

Multi-stakeholder Workshop on Ecosystem Conservation and Management

A multi-stakeholder workshop on ecosystem conservation and management was held in Laamu to following the recent designation of six environmentally protected areas of Laamu Atoll.

More than 50 participants from all islands of Laamu, representing the island councils, women’s development committees, civil societies, school management, law enforcement agencies and utility providers took part in this one day workshop, where facilitators from MECCT and EPA conducted sessions such as ecosystem services and benefits to the local communities, relevant legal and institutional frameworks, enforcement, capacity needs and financing.

At the workshop’s conclusion, participants discussed and presented their vision, plans and challenges for Laamu atoll protected areas management.

24 Mar 2022

More from Multi-stakeholder Workshop on Ecosystem Conservation and Management

13 Feb 2022

ENDhERI Project sensitization – Round 2

ENDhERI project continued project sensitization in Laamu atoll, visiting the islands of Fonadhoo, Maamendhoo, Hithadhoo, Maavah, Kunahandhoo and Dhanbidhoo to inform the councils, women’s development committees and local communities about project objectives, scope and ongoing and upcoming activities.

13 Feb 2022

More from ENDhERI Project sensitization – Round 2

27 Feb 2022

ENDhERI Project sensitization – Round 1

ENDhERI project conducted the first round of project sensitization in Laamu atoll, visiting the islands of Gan, Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Maabaidhoo and Mundoo to inform the councils, women’s development committees and local communities about project objectives, scope and ongoing and upcoming activities.

27 Feb 2022

More from ENDhERI Project sensitization – Round 1

07 Feb 2022

Mangroves, Wetlands and Nature Parks Experience Tour in Addu and Fuahmulah

ENDhERI project hosted a contingent of island and atoll council members from Laamu Atoll on a tour of mangroves, wetlands and nature parks in Addu Atoll and Fuahmulah.

This tour was arranged to facilitate the local government of Laamu to gain exposure and experience on established best practices of protected area management in the Maldives, and included meetings with Addu Atoll and Fuahmulah city councils as well as presentation from park staff and officials from EPA involved in the establishment of these Nature Parks.

This round of the tour targeted councils whose jurisdiction include the recently designated environmentally protected areas in Laamu and similar experience tours have been scheduled for later this year for rest of the island councils.

07 Feb 2022

More from Mangroves, Wetlands and Nature Parks Experience Tour in Addu and Fuahmulah

01 Dec 2021

Laamu Atoll Environmental Awareness KAP Survey

A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey on environmental awareness among the island communities of Laamu atoll was conducted. The survey covered 10 out of the 11 inhabited islands in the atoll, and interviewed over 1000 respondents. Information was collected on media consumption habits, level of knowledge on environmental affairs, attitudes concerning environmental conservation efforts in the country and respondent’s own practices that impact the environment.

Analysis of the data collected would be used in guiding the development of the project’s communication plan, and to set baseline benchmarks to evaluate project performance. A similar end line KAP survey would be administered at the project’s close.

01 Dec 2021

More from Laamu Atoll Environmental Awareness KAP Survey

07 Jul 2021

ENDhERI Project inception workshop

Enhancing National Development through Environmentally Resilient Islands (ENDhERI) project held its inception meeting. The meeting was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology Dr. Abdulla Naseer.

ENDhERI project aims to assist the government of the Maldives in its implementation of new environmental policies and transition towards national adoption of Green Growth atoll development that will sustain marine Natural Capital and strengthen the resilience and recovery of reef ecosystems.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Naseer spoke on the importance of adopting Natural Capital accounting and the current challenges faced in the Maldives with the lack of technical expertise to establish NC accounting systems. ENDhERI project plans to alleviate these difficulties by conducting both capacity building and public awareness programs.

01 Sep 2021

Zonation and mapping of proposed protected areas in Laamu Atoll

Zonation and mapping of proposed protected areas in Laamu atoll were conducted with surveyors from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During this trip, zonation and ground truth mapping were conducted for the Kulhi in Hithadhoo, Koaru in Maabaidhoo, turtle nesting beach, seagrass, mangroves and vegetation in Gaadhoo, and Boda Fendagu in Gan, and further surveying was conducted on areas of Fushi Kandu and Fushi Island with Vadinolhu Kandu Olhi.

This survey would produce geographically referenced maps that includes key data for all the seven sites.

04 Aug 2021

Laamu Atoll Project Implementation Unit was established in Fonadhoo

The unit comprises a Project Coordinator and a Project Administrative Assistant who are permanently based in Laamu atoll.

14 Jul 2021

1st steering committee meeting

The first meeting of the ENDhERI project’s steering committee was held. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Dr. Abdulla Naseer. In his opening remarks Dr. Naseer noted that projects such as this required close cooperation and participation of a large number of agencies, and highlighted the importance of discussions and deliberations that was made possible through the committee.

At the meeting ENDhERI project’s objectives and main components were shared with the committee members, and the annual work plan and budget were approved.

02 Oct 2021

FPIC and Resource Usage consultations regarding proposed protected areas in Laamu Atoll

Meetings to obtain Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and gather information on the resource usage at the proposed protected areas in Laamu atoll were conducted in the islands of Laamu atoll Hithadhoo, Maabaidhoo and Gan. Discussions were held with the island councils, Women’s Development Committees, utilities, government institutions and NGOS.

Teams from ENDhERI and the EPA also visited L. Maavah to demarcate mangrove boundary and conduct stakeholder consultation regarding restoration and management of Maavah mangrove.

Project Team