An in-kind grant agreement has been signed between the Maldives and the United States of America.
The in-kind grant agreement was signed between the United States Agency for International Development (US-AID) and the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Technology of the Maldives on Thursday.
This was revealed via a joint press release issued by the U.S. Mission in Maldives and the environment ministry, which reads that the agreement is valued at USD 157,000, which is approximately MVR 2,420,940.
The agreement carries the purpose of supporting climate resilient interventions in the Maldives and is the fourth grant agreement signed by USAID in the Maldives this year.
It is also the first of its kind for the project with the Maldivian government and will support the implementation of a multi-sectoral, integrated approach in the conservation and management of the Goidhoo mangrove and Goidhoo Atoll reef system.
Further, the agreement will establish an eco-tourism model that provides multiple socio-economic benefits to local communities, catalyzed by relevant public-private partnerships to develop the Goidhoo mangrove and atoll reef system as a model community that embodies climate resilience.
The protection and preservation of natural habitats will increase resilience to climate change impacts and also create a window of opportunity to develop and enhance the ecosystem services provided by these natural systems.
In addition to this, the establishment of nature-based recreational facilities in the Goidhoo mangrove and across the atoll will also increase its economic and ecological value and provide an added advantage to market the Goidhoo Atoll as an eco-tourism destination.
Minister of Environment Aminath Shauna revealed that a new milestone has been reached in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve the focus is on Goidhoo Atoll, which she said has key ecosystems.
We are proud to partner with US-AID in another project strengthening our partnerships and collaborative efforts towards climate change adaptation. We are conserving and protecting key ecosystems in the Maldives because our economy depends on the coral reef ecosystems, and we are moving towards exploring nature based recreational facilities in our beautiful mangroves, wetlands and seagrasses. The aesthetic value of the mangroves alone makes it a major tourist attraction for local and foreign tourists alike and will also provide business opportunities for tourist operators.”Aminath Shauna, environment minister.
Minister Shauna went on to express keen interest to renew the partnership with the U.S. to conserve where we “live, eat and grow”, going on to note that preserving natural ecosystems and being able to provide sustainable livelihoods for the people is a win not only for the environment, but also the economy and most of all, the society.
An ecstatic environment minister highlighted that together, we can leave behind a legacy of a “healthy” nation for future generations.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Gabriel Grau, US-AID’s Mission Director to Sri Lanka and Maldives stated that the grant agreement reflects US-AID’s commitment to the Maldives and its people and through it, US-AID intends to accelerate the conservation and management of nature-based ecosystems.
Conservation of mangroves and wetlands provides a diverse range of environmental services including support of biodiversity and protection against storm surges. US-AID will empower communities and enhance their resilience to climate change shocks and impacts, through an inclusive lens that leverages private sector investment.”Gabriel Grau, US-AID’s Mission Director in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
The grant was awarded through the US-AID Climate Adaptation Project, a five-year project that is valued at USD 10.5 million.
The project will strengthen the resilience of Maldives to climate risk and its impact on key economic sectors and supports the Maldivian government’s Strategic Action Plan Policy to create resilient communities in the face of the climate change crisis.
