CCTF projects worth USD 8.5 million launched

The Government of Maldives (GOM), the World Bank, European Union (EU) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) have together launched projects under the umbrella of the Maldives Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) yesterday.

The Projects were launched by the Vice President Mohamed Waheed Deen. The Minister of Environment and Energy Dr Mariyam Shakeela, the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Ahmed Shafeeu, senior officials from the donor agencies, and senior officials from the government and resort sector as well as from relevant Atoll and Island Councils participated in the event.

The projects that were launched are the Clean Energy for Climate Mitigation (CECM), and Wetlands Conservation and Coral Reef Monitoring for Adaptation to Climate Change (WCCM). These projects have been effective from April 24, 2012 and will be completed by September 30, 2014. A third project, Ari Atoll Solid Waste Management Project is currently being negotiated between the WB and GOM.

The EU and AusAID have contributed EUR 6.5 million and AUD 1.0 million to the CCTF that the World Bank will administer. The Ministry of Environment and Energy through its Project Management Unit will implement the projects.

The CECM introduces innovative mechanisms to provide 300 MWh annually of renewable energy through grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency measures to 7000 inhabitants in GDh. Thinadhoo.

The WCCM being implemented in Fuvahmulah of Gnaviyani Atoll, Hithadhoo of Addu Atoll and Alif Alif Ukulhas Islands in North Ari Atoll will enable the local governments to implement a clear strategy for wetland management, drainage management, ecotourism and community rainwater harvesting. The Project will also enter into a partnership with participating tourist resorts in the Male’ Atoll for coral reef monitoring and demonstrate how information from monitoring can be used to support decision-making to prioritize areas for conservation.

Additionally, the AASWM will help effectively manage solid waste generated in selected inhabited islands of the Ari Atoll, thereby reducing the environmental risks to marine habitats and green house gas emissions. The Project intends to set up five Island Waste Management Centers (IWMCs) on a pilot basis and facilitate the process of scaling up an integrated solid waste management system in the inhabited islands and resorts of Ari Atoll.

These three projects are expected to be particularly useful in the context of the decentralized governance framework and public private partnerships. Once piloted and proven successful, the models could be scaled-up and replicated across the country.