USAID/BHA Enhances Disaster Resilience and Preparedness in the Maldives

The Maldives, an idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean, faces significant vulnerabilities due to its geographical and climatic conditions. With nearly 1,200 coral islands, the nation is frequently subjected to natural hazards such as cyclones, droughts, and monsoons, which often result in casualties, displacement, and other humanitarian impacts. Furthermore, being one of the lowest-lying countries globally, the Maldives is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, particularly sea level rise. To address these challenges, the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) has been actively involved in enhancing the disaster resilience and preparedness of Maldivian communities.

The Maldives’ Vulnerability

The Maldives' population centers and public infrastructure are predominantly located in coastal areas, with approximately one-third of the country's population, or 142,000 people, residing in the capital city of Malé. This coastal concentration exposes a significant portion of the population to elevated risks from natural hazards. The recurrent nature of these disasters, coupled with the looming threat of climate change, necessitates robust and sustained disaster management and preparedness efforts.

USAID/BHA’s Strategic Assistance

USAID/BHA’s support in the Maldives focuses on early recovery, risk reduction, and resilience (ER4) programming. The aim is to enhance community resilience to disasters and emergencies through capacity building and awareness-raising initiatives. By promoting self-reliance, USAID/BHA enables the Maldives to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and respond more effectively to disasters.

Key Initiatives and Partnerships

1. Capacity Building and Awareness Raising: USAID/BHA funds the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and the Maldivian Red Crescent Society (MRC) to work closely with the Government of the Maldives (GoM). These organizations focus on developing and strengthening disaster management guidelines, strategies, and tools. They also train community responders and improve coordination among key disaster management stakeholders, including private sector partners.

2. Community Engagement: Direct partnerships with the MRC enable USAID/BHA to engage with communities and government counterparts, increasing awareness and mobilization in the event of natural hazard-induced disasters. This collaboration is closely coordinated with the National Disaster Management Authority, ensuring the development and implementation of effective national disaster management strategies.

3. Regional Support and Training: USAID/BHA regionally supports ADPC’s Sustainable National Anticipatory Actions through Preparedness (SNAP) initiative, which prioritizes the Maldives. This program leverages disaster management expertise from across South Asia to enhance capacity in the Maldives. Building on the success of the Program for the Enhancement of Emergency Response (PEER), ADPC has been training emergency responders for over 20 years, significantly contributing to disaster risk reduction and management in the region.
   

Funding and Impact

In the fiscal year 2023, USAID/BHA allocated $600,000 to support ER4 activities in the Maldives. This funding reflects the commitment to integrating disaster resilience with emergency response, ensuring that communities are not only prepared for immediate threats but also equipped to handle long-term challenges posed by climate change and recurrent natural disasters.

Conclusion

USAID/BHA’s comprehensive approach to disaster management in the Maldives underscores the importance of building local capacities and fostering self-reliance. By enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience, USAID/BHA helps the Maldives mitigate the impacts of natural hazards, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for its people. As climate change continues to pose significant threats, such proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable development.