The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has signed a consultancy agreement with Nippon Koei Co., Ltd to support the implementation of coastal conservation measures under the “Building Climate Resilient Safer Islands in the Maldives” project.
The initiative — jointly implemented by the Government of Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) — is funded through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and JICA. It aims to strengthen the country’s resilience against coastal erosion and rising sea levels by developing long-term, sustainable protection systems for vulnerable communities.
Civil works will be carried out on four priority islands identified for intervention: Addu City Meedhoo, Laamu Fonadhoo, Laamu Gan, and Laamu Isdhoo. These locations were selected due to the urgency of erosion-related challenges and the need to safeguard community infrastructure and livelihoods.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the project will focus on policy and capacity-building initiatives — including the formulation of a national coastal protection policy, island-level protection plans, and the establishment of a data-driven monitoring system to ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal management efforts.
According to the ministry, preliminary designs for erosion control have already been completed for the four islands, and a draft national policy has been reviewed by relevant stakeholders.
Under the newly signed contract, Nippon Koei will finalise detailed technical designs, conduct environmental impact assessments (EIA), oversee procurement processes, and supervise the execution of civil works. The firm will also provide technical training to ministry staff to build local expertise in coastal engineering and project management.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, State Minister Abdulla Ziyad, who represented the Ministry, said the detailed design phase is expected to be completed within six months, after which construction will commence in 2026 once contractors are selected.
Officials described the project as a vital part of the government’s broader effort to build climate resilience and protect island communities from environmental threats. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to integrating science-based solutions and global expertise to safeguard the Maldives’ fragile coastlines.
The coastal conservation project is one of several major undertakings designed to fortify the country’s natural defences while ensuring sustainable island development — reflecting the Maldives’ growing emphasis on climate adaptation and environmental security.
