1 Presented by: Hisan Hassan IDP Support Officer – NDMC, Govt. of Maldives 15 th -16 th September 2009 National Disaster Management Centre - Maldives

 From 19 – 24 November 2007, an international team of experts on Disaster Risk Reduction and two members of the ADRRN International Project Team conducted a field mission to the five selected Islands (Milandhoo, Funadhoo, Komandoo, Foakaidhoo and Kan’ditheem).  Community consultations were conducted with community representatives from each of the island.  Group discussions were held with Government departments at all levels - National, aid agencies and local NGOs. 2

Funadhoo Milandhoo Komandhoo Foakaidhoo Kandhitheem Map of Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives National Disaster Management Centre - Maldives 3

 The team consulted previous baseline documentation, assessment reports and diverse Government reports on environmental and disaster management 4

 To promote environmental management as part of Disaster Risk Reduction  To build capacities of women and youth communities towards self management.  To promote adaptation activities to climate change through disaster management planning and DRR activities 5

 Conducted community based disaster management training in 5 Islands.  Development of Shaviyani Atoll disaster management plan  Demonstration of “Bio Island” concept for resilient communities: Plantation of coastal bio-shields Model Home Kitchen Gardens Solid Waste Management Community Resource Center 6

 Transect walk with local elders to Identify locality available species for the bio-shield  Selection of the species based on analysis (salinity, root density, economic values)  Series of training programmes conducted with the community  Nursery development with school children  Nursery care system developed  Tree plantation with community (Nika, Coconut Palm, Dhigga, Hirun’dhu, Kuredhi) 7

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 Hands on training were given on planting, watering care, disease management and compost  Training on making own bio-pesticides through locally available material  Opened a seeds exhibition day (variety, quality, germination, storage, selection)  Training programmes on germination, seed selection conducted  Introduction of simple hydroponics and low- cost zero energy water drip system  Cooking class on variety of vegetable dishes 11

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 Recyclable items collection competition  Awareness raising poster competition within school children  Distribution of waste separation guide  Introduction of reusable bags, glass crusher, can crusher, recycle plan  Establishment of waste management committee  Discussion held with Maldivian Industrial Fisheries Company(MIFCO) regarding can collection 15

 Recycle traders identification  Activity report on the morning show Maldives 16

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 Community computer center upgraded as a community resource centre with internet services for a period of 08 months  The centre was provided with stationeries such as binding machines, laminating machines etc.  All materials used during the project was made available on cd’s and hard copies both in local language and English  Facilitated with live update on Maldives weather and weather warnings. 22

 Risk and vulnerability assessment done  Development of Disaster Management plans tailored to the local needs  Mobilization, orientation and training of local community a) Environmental Management b) Response and planning c) Exposure visits outside Maldives 23

 Based on the baseline study findings a community based disaster management approach was developed.  The land use plan, environmental conditions, demographic details, anthropogenic pressure, etc. varies from island to island hence it is appropriate to adopt island specific approach for community based disaster management. 24

 2 day workshop conducted in capital of shaviyani atoll Funadhoo  DM plan for shaviyani atoll developed  Linkages between island, atoll, regional and national level identified  Key stakeholders are Atoll office officials, island officials, island development committee representatives, Min of Home affairs, Min of Fisheries & Agriculture and National Disaster Management Centre. 25

 CBDRM training conducted in 5 selected islands  Workshops included orientation on disaster management  Risk and vulnerabilities in local communities indentified.  Hazard / resource mapping and training of task forces  5 Islands Disaster Management Plans developed 26

 Stakeholders are:- a) members of CBO’s b) women committee c) island development committee d) women, youth, island officials e) local NGO’s community representatives and local leaders in identified 5 islands. 27

 Assessments of community preparedness measures in coastal zones undertaken and disaster risk reduction intervention tailored to the local needs  Project implemented in close collaboration with the National Disaster Management Center, Maldives  Local volunteers mobilized and trained  Public awareness on coastal protection, home kitchen gardens / eco-agricultural practices and solid waste management raised 28

 Public awareness on the linkage between environmental protection and disaster risk reduction raised  Public information material tailored to local cultures and languages 29

 Communities do not perceive natural disasters as a pertinent risk nor are they perturbed by their dependency on Male’ the capital  Communities are concerned about the environmental problems, as the effects of these are already affecting their lives.  The main causes for worry are: ground water contamination, increase of diseases, and shortage of land for new construction 30

31  Gaps in the national waste management programme  Lack of capacity and enthusiasm to run the community resource center.  The community did not see the immediate benefit of the Bio- shield  Model home kitchen garden was considered the most successful programme  CBDRM program was conducted in English and the facilitators who participated were unable to deliver the knowledge in local language

32  DM plans fragmented and incomplete.  No review process of any DM plans in the country  Volunteers need to be trained regularly  No follow-up and continuity of the programme  Lack of training and trained staff at the National Disaster Management Centre

 Institutional Strengthening of NDMC  Close coordination and collaboration with local government authorities to continue activities  Advocacy and importance of disaster preparedness at all political levels  Disaster risk reduction to be emphasized in all sectors  This project has been highly appreciated by local authorities and international partners / implementation in other atolls / islands 33

National Disaster Management Centre - Maldives34

THANK YOU 35