Project

Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security Project (ECRFS Project)

11 Sep 2025

Introduction

The Maldives’ physical vulnerability, coupled with its reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and subsistence farming, places the country at high risk of adverse impacts from climate change. It is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards, including pluvial and coastal flooding, swells, erosion, cyclone winds, storm surges, heat waves, earthquakes, tsunamis, and droughts. These hazards result in severe consequences such as loss of life, injuries, displacement, damage to infrastructure and housing, livelihood disruptions, environmental degradation, reduced economic productivity, particularly in tourism and increased poverty and social vulnerability. 

To address these challenges, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, in collaboration with the Maldives Meteorological Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, and other partners, will implement the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security project.

The project is funded through a combination of grants, loans, and technical assistance from the Asian Development Fund, Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, the Ocean Resilience Coastal Adaptation Trust Fund the and the Government of Maldives.

Project Objectives

The overarching aim of the Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security project is to support the Maldives in reducing the vulnerability of island communities to climate risks by strengthening institutional and community capacities for climate change adaptation, introducing climate-smart technologies in agri-food systems, promoting climate adaptation businesses and urban farming, and implementing effective flood and coastal protection through nature-based solutions. Over the long term, it will contribute to improved climate and disaster resilience, as well as food and nutrition security.

A strong social focus will be placed on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable communities, particularly in remote islands in the northern and southern regions where climate impacts are most severe. By targeting activities where women and youth can play major roles, the project will also help address inequality that could be exacerbated by climate change.

Project Outcome

The impact of the project is aligned with the goal of enhancing climate and disaster resilience and improving long-term food and nutrition security, as outlined in the Maldives’ Updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The NDC is guided by the Climate Change Policy Framework (2015), published by the Republic of Maldives, Ministry of Environment and Energy.
The project is designed to reduce the vulnerability of island communities to climate risks. Additionally, it plays a key role in promoting women’s empowerment and addressing inequalities that may be exacerbated by climate change by investing in activities where women and youth can take on significant roles, with a particular focus on women, youth, and vulnerable remote island communities in the northern and southern regions.

Partners Involved

  • Ministry of Tourism and environment (MoTE)
  • Ministry of Finance and Planning (MoFP)
  • Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS)
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare (MoAAW)
  • Kulhudufushi City Council (KCC)
  • SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC)

Publications

Project Timeline

18 Nov 2025

Gender Orientation Workshop

On 18 November 2025, a Gender Orientation Workshop was held to increase understanding of the Gender Action Plan (GAP) for the Enhancing Climate Resilience & Food Security Project. The workshop focused on enhancing the capacity of key implementing partners ensuring effective implementation and reporting of the GAP.
The session brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, Maldives Meteorological Service, and SME Digital, emphasizing on the shared responsibility to translate the commitments into practical, meaningful action during implementation, monitoring and reporting. Participants discussed the application of the tools for tracking the implementation of the GAP and effectively reporting on gender-related results.
The workshop was organized by the Project Management Unit (PMU) and facilitated by Ms. Puri Philina Gamon, ADB Gender Focal Point for the project; Ms. Athifa Ibrahim, GESI Consultant for the Maldives; Mr. Nasheeth Thoha, ADB Gender Expert for the project; and Ms. Aminath Shaliny, PMU Gender Expert. Their collective expertise helped guide the discussions and strengthen participants’ understanding of the GAP framework.

28 Sep 2025

Ecology Survey in Hdh. Kulhudhufushi

From 16 – 29 September 2025, a detailed ecology survey was carried out in Hdh. Kulhudufushi. The survey conducted field studies for habit characterization and fish surveys of all mangrove areas in Kulhudhuffushi, to assess the current conditions of the wetlands, and identify both natural and human-induced stresses. The survey results will be used to evaluate the viability of rehabilitating mangroves under future climate risks, identify vulnerable areas exposed to climate threats, and propose adaptation measures to enhance resilience. The study will also help to determine whether mangroves are viable nature-based solution for flood management in Kulhudhuffushi. Upcoming soil and water studies will complement this survey to define the conditions that support mangrove growth and resilience.

This ecology survey was conducted by Mangrove Ecologist, Dr. Wayne Bannister as part of Mangrove and Groundwater Hydrology Modeling and detailed design study of Kulhudufushi, undertaken by GWP Consultants in collaboration with Water Solutions.

27 Sep 2025

ABD second mission - Year 1

A team from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited from 21st - 28th September 2025 to review the setup and progress of project management activities, as well as to conduct capacity building activities. The visit provided an opportunity for ADB’s environment and social safeguards experts to engage with the Project Management Unit’s (PMU) corresponding specialists and to ensure compliance with both national and ADB safeguard policies aimed at preventing and mitigating potential harm to people and the environment. During the visit, the experts also reviewed local safeguard clearances and provided guidance on overall reporting requirements. In addition, the mission explored the development of a Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP).

The mission was led by Ms. Michiko Katagami, Principal Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist. She was accompanied by Ms. Jocelyn A. Mendoza, Social Safeguards Specialist; Mr. Deepak Bahadur Singh, Environmental Safeguards Specialist; and Ms. Gertrude Anne Diones, Senior Operations Assistant, from ADB.

10 Sep 2025

Stakeholder Consultations on Marine and Coastal Modeling – Kulhudhuffushi East Coast

From 6 to 11 September 2025, a series of stakeholder consultations were held in Kulhudhuffushi as part of the ongoing “Marine and Coastal Modeling and Detailed Design” study. Key discussions focused on the usage and needs of community spaces, waste management, shoreline changes, coastal erosion, and climate risks specific to the area. Stakeholders provided valuable input on environmentally sustainable coastal protection methods and shared ideas for infrastructure and development proposals, including recreational areas and small-scale business opportunities.

The consultations also facilitated the identification of potential project risks and explored suitable mitigation measures. A common understanding emerged on the importance of maintaining a balance between development and environmental preservation—particularly through safeguarding natural features such as reefs, ridges, and coastal vegetation, while accommodating necessary infrastructure and recreational enhancements.

Participants included representatives from the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Kulhudhuffushi Airport and Seaport, Women’s Development Committee (WDC), Fenaka Corporation Limited, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), Road Development Corporation (RDC), Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, as well as local NGOs and guesthouse operators.

The consultations were conducted by a team from Land and Marine Environmental Resource Group Pvt Ltd (LAMER), led by Coastal Resilience and Management Specialist Dr. Emma Rendel.