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Presented by: Hisan HassanIDP Support Officer – NDMC, Govt. of Maldives

15th -16th 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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Recycle traders identification Activity report on the morning show

Maldives

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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.

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Risk and vulnerability assessment done Development of Disaster Management

plans tailored to the local needs Mobilization, orientation and training of

local communitya) Environmental Managementb) Response and planningc) Exposure visits outside Maldives

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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.

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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.

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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

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Stakeholders are:-a) members of CBO’sb) women committeec) island development committeed) women, youth, island officialse) local NGO’s community representatives and local leaders in identified 5 islands.

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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

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Public awareness on the linkage between environmental protection and disaster risk reduction raised

Public information material tailored to local cultures and languages

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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

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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

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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

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National Disaster Management Centre - Maldives 34

THANK YOU

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