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Follow-up Report
Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
27th June 2013
Bandos Island Resort and Spa, Maldives
Prepared by Ghaly Murthala
For the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme
Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
1.1. Background ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.2. Forum Outcomes ............................................................................................................ 2
1.3. Strategic Overview .......................................................................................................... 4
1.4. Participants ..................................................................................................................... 7
1.5. Workshop Proceedings ................................................................................................... 7
1.5.1. Opening Ceremony .................................................................................................. 7
1.5.2. Morning Session - Project Presentations ................................................................ 8
1.5.3. Afternoon Session – Project presentations and Group discussions........................ 8
1.5.3.1.
Question and Answer Sessions ........................................................................ 9
1.5.3.2.
Group Discussions .......................................................................................... 10
1.5.4. Closing Session – Group Presentations and Recommendations ........................... 11
1.5.4.1.
Solid waste management practices and its vulnerability to climate risks in
Maldives tourism sector ................................................................................................... 11
1.5.4.2.
Barriers to effective climate change adaptation in the water and wastewater
services in resorts and dependent communities ............................................................. 12
1.5.4.3.
Review of Existing Laws And Regulations Relevant To Climate Change
Adaptation 13
1.5.4.4.
Reviewing national building regulations for climate resilience ..................... 15
1.5.4.5.
Partnering for Climate Change Adaptation .................................................... 16
1.5.4.6.
Making Tourism Operations More Climate Resilient ..................................... 17
1.6. Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 18
1.6.1. Dissemination of Project Findings ......................................................................... 18
1.6.1.1.
Targeted Communications ............................................................................. 18
1.6.2. Executive Level Workshop ..................................................................................... 19
1.6.2.1.
Proposed Outcomes ....................................................................................... 19
1.6.2.2.
Target Audience ............................................................................................. 19
1.6.2.3.
Preparatory Work........................................................................................... 19
Annexes .................................................................................................................................... 21
Annex 1 - Participant list .......................................................................................................... 21
Annex 2 – Forum Agenda ......................................................................................................... 24
Annex 2 – Forum Concept Note............................................................................................... 27
Annex 3 – TAP Report Summaries ........................................................................................... 29
Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Follow-up Report
In view of the economic significance of the Maldivian tourism sector, its resilience to the
effects of climate change has become a nationally prioritized challenge. Moreover, as the
tourism sector is the origin of several value chains and co-dependencies, its resilience,
profitability and viability is of utmost importance to local communities and livelihoods.
Despite evidence that climate change is impacting the Maldivian tourism product adversely,
little has been done to address this, and tourism planning in both public and private sectors
does not consider significance of climate change due to lack of know-how and gaps in the
current regulatory framework. Hence, the government of Maldives in partnership with
UNDP has initiated the TAP project to address these concerns in an effort to mitigate
climate change induced risks to the tourism sector and to make the country’s tourism sector
more resilient to this challenge.
One initiative of the TAP project is to launch 20 projects to increase the resilience of tourism
operators and dependent local communities by identifying risk areas and proposing ways in
which to mitigate these risks. The Building Partnerships for Climate Change forum aimed to
engage stakeholders to prioritize risk areas and form partnerships to implement these
projects. In order to achieve the most effective outcome, the project also identified that the
necessary know-how and awareness of the existing situation of the tourism sector with
regard to climate change must be disseminated to relevant stakeholders. To this end, the
forum was intended to be a catalyst for the dissemination of technical information with
regard to climate change adaptation for the tourism sector.
The forum was intended to achieve the following outcomes in line with the overarching
objectives of the TAP project:
1. Obtain stakeholder feedback on reviewing the National Building Code to address
vulnerabilities of physical tourism infrastructure to climate change
2. Obtain stakeholder feedback on studies conducted, and provide examples of climate
adaptation measures that can be adapted by the tourism industry
3. Introduce the national tourism adaptation platform at a conceptual level and obtain
feedback from participants on needs
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
4. Obtain buy-in from tourism operators for proposed climate change adaptation
projects
5. Generate investment ideas and prioritize risk areas for climate change adaptation in
island resort / safari boat operations
6. Facilitate networking among communities and tourism operators to encourage
climate change adaptation partnerships
7. Obtain buy-in for climate change adaptation partnerships from communities and
tourism operators
8. Generate investment ideas and prioritize risk areas for community partnerships on
climate change adaptation
9. Awareness creation among relevant government representatives on climate risk
finance models and services available for tourism operators and communities
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Project Outcome 1: Strengthened adaptive capacity of the tourism sector to reduce risks to climate-induced economic losses
Project Outputs
Forum Outcomes
Interventions
Output 1.3: Addendum to national Obtain industry feedback on Group discussions based on climate induced risks to physical tourism
building codes on the physical planning reviewing
the
National infrastructure and strengthening building regulations to reduce such risks
and construction of infrastructure in Building Code to address Share relevant resource materials
tourist resorts is developed and vulnerabilities of physical
disseminated to all tourism operators
infrastructure
to
climate
change
Online discussion forum
Output 1.4: Technical guidance Obtain industry feedback on Findings to be presented by knowledgeable experts in relevant areas
provided to all tourism operators on studies
conducted,
and Panel of experts in relevant areas to be present to answer audience
how to climate-proof sensitive resource provide examples of climate questions
management
systems
and adaptation measures that can Resource materials on project findings and example projects disseminated
infrastructure
(freshwater be adapted by the tourism among workshop participants and online community
management;
solid
waste
and industry
Online discussion forum to increase reach among stakeholders
wastewater management; physical and
energy infrastructure)
Project Outcome 2: Reduced vulnerability of at least 10 tourism operations and 10 tourism-associated communities to the adverse effects of
climate change
Project Outputs
Forum Outcomes
Interventions
Output
2.1:
National
tourism Introduce the national tourism Introduction of the envisaged tourism adaptation platform, its rationale
adaptation platform created to adaptation platform at a and its relevance to participants and stakeholders
establish and support effective public- conceptual level and obtain
private partnerships for climate change feedback from participants on Online discussion forum
adaptation in the tourism sector
needs
Output
2.2:
Development
and Obtain buy-in for climate Introducing the proposed climate change adaptation projects through the
implementation of at least 10 new change adaptation projects
introduction of the MTAP
investment projects on climateFacilitate networking among tourism operators and relevant service
proofing water supply/ storage/
providers with regard to climate change adaptation
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
distribution, solid waste management,
wastewater
management,
energy
management, and / or new physical
infrastructure in island resort and / or
safari boat operations
Output 2.3: Development of at least 10
new investment partnerships between
island resorts and tourism-associatesd
communities which result in joint
climate risk management activities
Generating investment ideas
and prioritize risk areas for
climate change adaptation in
island resort / safari boat
operations
Facilitate networking among
communities and tourism
operators
Obtain buy-in for climate
change
adaptation
partnerships
from
communities and tourism
operators
Generating investment ideas
and
priority
areas
for
community partnerships on
climate change adaptation
Propose possible investment areas and example climate change
adaptation measures through presentations
Brainstorming session for idea generation
Online discussion forum
Facilitate opportunities for networking during workshop
Online networking group
Ensure that tourism operators that have existing relationships or in close
proximity with local communities are present to increase likelihood of
successful partnerships
Incentivize partnerships as marketing opportunities and CSR projects for
tourism operators through the P4D initiative
Brainstorming session between resorts and communities
Output 2.4: South-South transfer of
tourism adaptation case studies
between Maldives and other SIDS
Project Outcome 3: Transfer of climate risk financing solutions to public and private sector tourism institutions
Project Outputs
Forum Outcomes
Interventions
Output 3.1: Training of tourism Awareness creation among General presentation on various models of climate risk financing relevant
operators
and
government relevant
government to the Maldivian context
representatives on climate risk representatives on climate risk
financing options and their potential finance models and services Presence of key personnel of MOTAC at forum
application in the Maldivian context
available for tourism operators Presence of relevant financial industry professionals at the forum
and communities
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Output 3.2: Feasibility study on microinsurance
for
tourism-associated
communities to buffer climate-related
shocks from extreme events
Output 3.3: Feasibility study on indexbased insurance and risk pooling
options to address risk transfer
priorities of the Maldivian government
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Participants of the workshop include project partners (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,
United Nations Development Program, Ministry of Environment and Energy), tourism
operators including resort and safari operators, technical experts in project areas and other
government institutions. A total of 74 participants were present.
Participants were allocated into groups according to the topics that were discussed at the
forum. A total of six groups were formed:
1. Solid Waste Management Practices and Its Vulnerability to Climate Risks in Maldives
Tourism Sector
2. Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation in the Water and Wastewater
Services In Resorts and Dependent Communities
3. Review of Existing Laws and Regulations Relevant To Climate Change Adaptation
4. Reviewing National Building Regulations for Climate Resilience
5. Partnering for climate change adaptation
6. Making tourism operations more climate resilient
It must be noted that some key stakeholders essential to the discussions were not able to
attend, taking away from the output of the group discussions at the end of the forum.
Furthermore, although many of the invited organizations were in attendance, some of the
representatives were from departments that are not usually involved in the implementation
of environmental conservation measures.
A detailed list of participants is provided in Annex 1.
The forum opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Al Qari Abdul Jaleel Ismail,
followed by a brief background of the TAP project and the presentation of the workshop
objectives by Mr. Moosa Zameer Hassan, National Project Director. This was then followed
by opening remarks by the President of the Republic of Maldives His Excellency Dr.
Mohamed Waheed Hassan, who highlighted the importance of climate change adaptation
and the vulnerabilities of the Maldives and its tourism sector to climate risks. This was
followed by remarks by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Ahmed
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Musthafa Mohamed. The ceremony concluded with remarks on behalf of the United
Nations Development Program by Mr. Anthony E. Lisle, Resident Representative.
The workshop resumed after a short break with presentations on TAP project findings and
other projects relevant to climate change adaptation that are currently being carried out.
The following presentations were given:
1. Review of existing laws and regulation relevant to climate change adaptation by TAP
Consultant Dr. Aishath Shakeela
2. Solid waste management practices and its vulnerability to climate risks in Maldives
tourism sector by National Project Manager Mr. Farooq Mohamed Hassan
3. Cleaner production in resorts and hotels in the Republic of Maldives by Assistant
Engineer of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Mr. Akram Waheed
4. Wetland conservation and coral reef monitoring for adaptation to climate change by
Coral Component Coordinator Mr. Hussein Zahir.
5. Barriers to effective climate change adaptation in the water and wastewater services
in resorts and dependent communities by National Project Manager Mr. Farooq
Mohamed Hassan
The workshop continued after a lunch break with further presentations from the TAP
project and also from the UNDP. The following presentations were given in this session:
1. An introduction to climate risk financing models by TAP consultant Mr. Norense
Iyahen
2. Presentation of proposed Climate Adaptation Platform by TAP consultant
Professor Peter Burns
3. Introduction to the Partnering for Development Initiative by UNDP Private Sector
Coordinator Mr. Hussain Jinan
This was followed by group discussions to validate the current findings of the TAP studies
and to obtain feedback from participants on potential project ideas for community-tourism
operator climate change adaptation partnerships and also project ideas to make tourism
operations more climate resilient.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
For all presentations, time was allocated for the audience to ask questions relevant to each
presentation. Some of the key questions raised and a summary of responses from the panel
and presenters are provided below:
Q: Can you please provide an example of [regulatory] disincentives to climate change
adaptation?
A: Fisheries regulations allow fishing from house reefs, including those of resort islands, that
tourism operators make efforts to conserve. This is one of the apparent examples of
regulations with conflicting objectives.
The issue of conflicting use of resources by multiple stakeholders has already been
addressed in the Atoll Ecosystem Conservation (AEC) project, and that lessons from this
project could be used for further research on existing laws and regulations that pose
disincentives for climate change adaptation.
Q: Have there been studies on waste disposal practices on boats other than safari vessels,
such as fishing dhoni’s?
A: There have not been any studies done with regard to this, but several challenges remain
for vessels to dispose of waste, such as the fee structure imposed at Thilafushi which
charges higher fees for larger volumes of waste disposed.
Q: It was identified that significant energy savings can be achieved in hotel operations. Are
these theoretical models?
A: Significant reductions in energy consumption have been achieved at some resorts in the
Maldives by implementing procedures such as shifting the time for laundering clothing to
times of the day that demand for energy is lower, and by introducing pre-heated water
(through solar heating) into laundry machines to reduce energy consumption for heating
elements.
Q: A number of studies have been conducted on environmental sustainability but we have
very little to show for it. What is the government doing to make the tourism sector more
environmentally sustainable?
A: Several tourism regulations have been imposed on tourism operators in terms of
limitations on built-up areas, storage of water and other environmental aspects. The TAP
project is intended to provide avenues for strengthened regulations by attempting to
change the regulatory framework to allow environmental laws to be enforced.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Q: Do you think Maldives could benefit from tax exemptions as a climate risk financing
measure?
A: Tax exemptions can be utilized in many ways in order to assist with coping with climate
related events. For example, tax exemptions can be granted to create reserves for
mitigating climate related risks, or to provide relief in times of disaster.
The afternoon session closed with group discussions on the following topics:
Solid Waste Management Practices and Its Vulnerability to Climate Risks in Maldives
Tourism Sector
Participants were asked to provide their feedback on the TAP study on ‘Solid waste
management practices and its vulnerability to climate risks in the Maldives tourism sector’.
Participants were provided a summary of the consultant’s report and asked to provide their
feedback on the key findings and recommendations of the study.
Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation In The Water And Wastewater Services In
Resorts And Dependent Communities
Participants were asked to provide their feedback on the TAP study on ‘Barriers to effective
climate change adaptation in the water and wastewater services in resorts and dependent
communities’. Participants were provided a summary of the consultant’s report and asked
to provide their feedback on the key findings and recommendations of the study.
Review of Existing Laws and Regulations Relevant To Climate Change Adaptation
This group was asked to provide feedback on how existing laws and regulations may hamper
climate change adaptation in the tourism sector. The purpose of this discussion was to
provide input for an on-going TAP consultation to review current laws and regulations to be
more conducive to climate change adaptation efforts.
Reviewing National Building Regulations for Climate Resilience
This group was asked to comment on national current building regulations and provide
feedback on how strengthening building standards in order to make physical tourism
infrastructure more climate resilient.
Partnering for climate change adaptation
This group was asked to identify and prioritize climate change risks that have effects on both
tourism operators and local communities that they interact with. They were then asked to
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
recommend ideas for projects that could be funded through TAP that could be implemented
through partnerships between tourism operators and local communities.
Making tourism operations more climate resilient
This group was asked to identify and prioritize areas in which tourism operators are
vulnerable to climate change, and suggest project ideas for initiatives that could be funded
through TAP to make tourism operations more climate resilient.
After a short break, the findings and recommendations of each group was presented to the
plenary as the final session of the workshop. Policy recommendations described below are
recommendations put forward by the participants of the forum and may require further
consideration.
Participants found that the current location of waste disposal sites especially in local islands
are close to the beach, and also sometimes at an inadequate distance from settlement
areas. The participants also asserted that the capacity of waste disposal sites in some islands
is too little. There was also concern that waste is currently not segregated.
Participants observed that tourist vessel operators are often accused of dumping waste into
the sea, however some raised the issue that even some resorts practice this, and that the
current fee structure for waste disposal at Thilafushi is a disincentive for proper disposal as
higher charges are imposed for larger quantities of waste. Concerns were also raised with
regard to time limits imposed on vessels for unloading waste to Thilafushi.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
It was observed that one of the biggest challenges to making waste disposal sites more
climate resilient is the scarcity of adequate space on islands. It was also agreed that the lack
of general awareness on climate change adaptation is a hindrance to taking adaptive
measures.
It was also expressed that there is a lack of regulation on climate change, and also that a
final disposal mechanism for solid waste is not present.
It was recommended that best practices for waste management solutions which have been
proven successful in Small Island Developing States be identified and adapted to the
Maldivian context. It was also suggested that best practices for waste management in
tourism operations may possibly be transferred to local communities.
Participants also recommended that waste collection mechanisms be established to collect
waste from tourist vessels and fishing vessels, possibly through collection points on local
islands.
Operational recommendations were also put forward, including promoting composting, and
establishment of sustainable waste management plans within communities such as paid
waste collection services.
It was also suggested that resorts could be mandated to establish and maintain waste
management facilities in nearby islands as part of their CSR obligation.
Awareness creation on solid waste management and climate change adaptation was also
recommended, in addition to regulatory aspects such as the establishment of a monitoring
system between resorts and waste management facilities to reduce dumping of waste into
the sea.
Participants of this group agreed that forming a separate institution to manage water issues
would lead to increased efficiency of the current water management mechanisms. They also
noted the absence of national standards for water and waste water management systems.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
It was noted that most significant gaps and barriers existed in the regulatory area.
Participants urged the formulation of proper laws and regulations with regard to water
resource management, with emphasis on proper enforcement.
It was also observed that tourism operators compromise on climate friendly initiatives such
utilizing roofs for rainwater harvesting to preserve the aesthetic aspect of tourist
establishments.
Participants agreed that there is an urgent need for the reform of the water sector, and that
proper institutional mechanisms must be set in place. It was recommended that the
Environmental Protection Authority, which is mandated to manage water resources, needed
to be strengthened rather than resurrecting the MWSA.
It was also observed that there is a general lack of awareness on water and waste water
management, and that this needs to be addressed.
Participants observed that there is no proper monitoring mechanism to enforce currently
existing laws and regulations with regard to climate change. It was also observed that the
investment in climate change adaptation is not mandated by any regulations or building
codes, and the cost of such investment in adaptation measures make resort developers
reluctant to take initiative. Lack of awareness on the significance of climate change
adaptation was also observed to be a barrier for adaptation measures.
Another significant barrier that was noted by the participants was that existing regulations
relevant to climate change are not enforced by authorities. Among such regulations, it was
asserted that building code regulations need to be checked and enforced in particular. It
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
was observed that people are not aware of which authority handles environmental
complaints, although a body to monitor environmental regulations has now been
established.
Another point noted by the participants was the lack of insurance products available to
cover climate induced damage to infrastructure, as most insurance packages cover damages
that are only higher than a certain bracket. This excludes tourism operators from being
covered by insurance and hence it was noted that this needs to be regulated.
Interpretation of existing regulations was also noted as an issue. It was stated that the Local
Council Act is not enforceable due to the councils having to obtain permission from other
Ministries for different initiatives related to climate change adaptation. Different authorities
were also thought to have different interpretations of existing laws and regulations, and
conflicts between the Tourism regulations and the Fisheries Act were also cited.
A general lack of awareness on environmental protection laws was noted, one of the
reasons being limited availability of official translations of tourism regulations. It was also
noted that short term planning measures were all too frequent, and that this is a great
hindrance to climate change adaptation initiatives.
It was recommended that climate change aspects should be incorporated into existing
regulations. It was also expressed that climate risk insurance should be mandatory, and that
minimum standards should be the same for insurance coverage on all types of tourism
products.
Participants also emphasized that proper mechanisms should be implemented to monitor
climate change issues, and also stressed the involvement of both private and public sector in
the formulation of regulations.
Participants cited reluctance of industry stakeholders in accepting regulations, and the lack
of associations partaking in the law making process. Several regulatory loopholes were
cited, and also that regulatory standards and penalties set for different types of tourist
facilities are not equitable.
Participants also stressed the importance of involving policy makers and technical staff in
the law making process, and also emphasized the importance of creating awareness on
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
regulations, particularly noting the absence of English translations of regulations in an
industry involving a large number of foreign stakeholders.
Participants stated that the lack of geographical climate risk data is a barrier for climate
change adaptation as different regulations may be applicable based on geographic location.
The absence of a Building Act was also cited as a barrier, as building codes cannot be
enforced without a Building Act. It was also stated that harbour regulations are not active.
It was also found that climate change adaptation is not considered in building regulations,
such as in areas such as rain water harvesting, waste management and energy efficiency.
Although renewable energy usage is somewhat regulated, it was observed that this is not
adequately covered in the regulations.
Participants highlighted several factors should be considered in building in climate risk
areas, such as erosion areas, wave velocity, high winds, storm surges and king tides.
Participants also observed that factors such as structures beach structures, overwater
structures and underwater structures are not addressed in the building code. It was also
observed that guidelines for mechanical access were are not present in the current building
codes.
It was also expressed that adequate mechanisms for monitoring building regulations are not
in place, and that only limited guidelines for mechanical access are present in the
regulations.
It was recommended that the building code review process should propose, in addition to
an addendum to the building code, additions to compliance documents which will serve as
reference documents for the implementation of the building code. In particular, it was
recommended that energy efficient designs be incorporated into the building codes.
It was also recommended that tourism regulations be revised to consider climate change
risks. Particularly, it was emphasized that disaster and climate risk vulnerability of islands
that are given out for tourism development be considered during the leasing process.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Waste management and erosion were given the highest priority in terms of climate risk
vulnerability relevant to both communities and tourism operators. With regard to waste
management, participants stated that destruction of the natural environment due to
inadequate disposal of waste from communities and tourism operators, and health hazards
associated with waste management were a risk priority.
Another issue identified was the lack of access to clean water in local islands. Participants
also stated that corruption is also a threat to climate change adaptation in that it prevents
regulations from being sufficiently enforced.
Although the forum did not yield many project ideas for tourism operator-community
partnerships, participants emphasized areas that were to be given significance. This
included a suggestion of a sustainable waste management cooperative between tourism
operators and communities, and also sharing of technical expertise between the private
sector and local communities for climate change adaptation initiatives.
Another suggestion that was put forward was a ‘Partnering for Erosion’ project, in which
tourism operators would investigate the most effective methods to combat erosion, and
replicate this in local islands. It was suggested that this be done through an ‘adopt an island’
initiative, and grants be given to tourism operators that propose to partner with climate
change issues faced by local communities. Under this initiative, it was recommended that
the project would essentially be managed by local communities through cooperatives, and
that the private sector could provide technical expertise in lieu of financial contributions.
A third area that was identified was a rainwater harvesting project for communities in
collaboration with tourism operators.
Participants stated that municipal regulations should be immediately gazetted as a set of
regulations have already been completed. It was also stressed that the success of the
projects would depend on the effective enforcement of such regulations, the formulation of
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proper implementation mechanisms and the availability of the required technologies and
equipment.
It was also recommended that climate change adaptation partnerships should be
incentivized, and that partnership among private sector councils within same economic
zones may be a catalyst for climate change adaptation initiatives.
Several project ideas were put forward for making tourism operations more climate
resilient. This included the development of resort eco-champions who would advocate
climate change adaptation at each tourist establishment, knowledge sharing and sharing of
best practices among tourism operators, technical projects such as higher temperature
burning to reduce smoke pollution, and advocating kitchen gardens on all resort islands.
It was suggested that community benefits should be incorporated as an inclusive right from
tourism development. It was also expressed that effective supervision of existing regulations
is imperative for climate change adaptation, and that the Maldives Tourism Adaptation
Platform (MTAP) should provide a platform for knowledge sharing.
Emphasis was placed on making existing regulations for EIA reports more effective and
simpler, incorporating up-to-date standards and technologies. It was suggested that EIA
regulations could be enforced by conducting compliance inspections on a phased basis, and
building permits for resorts could be given upon completion of an EIA compliance
assessment.
It was also suggested that national targets for carbon neutrality be incentivised and not left
to market forces, and that a formal recognition system for CSR initiatives be established,
such as label for socially and environmentally responsible businesses. Research into
customer buying behaviour towards responsible corporate practices was also
recommended.
It was also stressed that current regulations should be enforced, and that awareness should
be created among stakeholders on climate change issues. Participants also expressed the
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need for sensible rules, which do not act as disincentives for proper waste disposal, to be
implemented at Thilafushi.
It was clear from the turn-out at the forum that many tourism industry stakeholders have an
interest in climate change adaptation and being updated on such projects. However, it was
observed that some key stakeholders were not in attendance, and that representatives of
some organizations were not adequately informed of the objectives of the workshop. To
avoid this, is imperative that stakeholders are clear on project objectives and are continually
informed of project developments.
It should be ensured that information reaches the relevant parties at stakeholder
organizations; hence, it is recommended that ‘TAP representatives’ be identified to act as
focal points for stakeholder organizations, and a mailing list be created to communicate
with these focal points who will be responsible for sharing developments of the project with
the relevant people in their organizations.
A key information dissemination tool could be the LinkedIn group that was setup for the
purpose of this forum. With the right effort, such a group could be an efficient tool for
stakeholder discussions and gathering much needed stakeholder feedback for project
consultations.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
The recommendations from this forum are expected to be translated into practical pilot
projects through a final executive level workshop scheduled in the final quarter of 2013. This
workshop is intended to showcase and launch viable ideas for climate change adaptation
projects for the tourism sector and also partnerships between communities and tourism
operators. These projects will be launched with the aid of grants through the envisaged
Maldives Tourism Adaptation Platform (MTAP).
Further input from stakeholders is required to identify key areas in which to focus climate
change projects, however a possible strategy for achieving these objectives is outlined
below.
It is suggested that the executive workshop have a narrower focus in order to concentrate
all efforts on launching of the climate change adaptation initiatives. In this regard, the
following outcomes are proposed:
1. Presentation, review and endorsement of project ideas for climate change
adaptation grants
2. Awarding of grants for climate change adaptation initiatives
3. Obtain publicity for the TAP project and for individual projects
1. Project partners
a. Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
b. Ministry of Environment and Energy
c. United Nations Development Programme
2. Grant applicants
3. Technical experts
It is clear that significant ground work must be made in order to achieve the desired
outcomes of the proposed workshop:
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Focal points from communities and tourism operators must be identified for consistent
communication and knowledge sharing. It is recommended that a mailing list of all project
focal points be created and regular updates be shared through email or social media.
A designated communications officer / focal point for the TAP project is suggested to be
appointed from MoTAC who will keep all stakeholders informed of developments, and
obtain feedback on these developments through email and social media channels.
Project documentation identifies 20 climate change adaptation projects to be funded
through seed funding from the TAP project. However, there are no clear criteria on how
such projects are to be selected and funded. Development of these criteria should be in
included in the mandate of the MTAP.
As part of these criteria, clearer priority areas for climate risk need to be identified. This
could be done in the form of a survey as part of the on-going consultations for the MTAP, or
through an online discussion forum.
Once grant funding criteria are established, expressions of Interest for Climate Change
Adaptation projects should be called for, and shortlisted according to the pre-established
criteria. As the project has identified the lack of know-how in implementing climate change
adaptation initiatives, it is recommended that project proposals for shortlisted project ideas
are developed in collaboration with relevant technical experts in the field.
The final proposals will be presented at the executive level workshop, where they will be
evaluated and awarded grants.
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Annexes
Name
Aishath Ali
Mohamed Nahid
Mohamed Asif
Fathmath Warudha
Tirivanhu Muhwati
Rohannas Rable
Mohamed Shareef
Mohamed Faiz
Ilham Abdulla
Hussain Hilmy
Mohamed Shamoon
Mohamed Riza
Shaukath Ibrahim
Adam Thaufeeq
Organization
MOTAC
MoTAC
Ministry of Environment and Energy
Male' City Council
UNDP
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Royal Island Resort & Spa
AAA
Paradise Island Resort
R. Furavari
Swell by private cruise
B. Eydhadfushi
AA. Ukulhas
Thilafushi Co.
Name
Aminath Nuzla Hameed
Dr. Zahid Hameed
Hussain Zahir - MEE
Shumaes Rasheed
Organization
MoTAC
Maldives Meteorological Services
Ministry of Environment and Energy
W Retreat and Spa- Maldives/ Sheraton
Fathmath Saeeda
Barbara Gratzer
Hamid Naseem
Mohamed Solih
Micheal Bell
Abdul Vahid
Sibaad Nasir
Masoodh Adam
Akram Waheed
Haisam Ali
Meeru Fenfushi
Huvafenfushi
Meeru Island Resort / Crown & Champa
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives
R. Maamigili
TLM cruiser
Ga. Villingili
Hdh. Hanimaadhoo
Min. Energy & Authority.
Into Scuba
Designation
Director General
Environment Officer
Environment Analist
Data Processing Officer
Consultant
Resort Manager
Executive Housekeeper
Manager Administration
Dive Center Manager
Financial Controiller
Marketing Director
Vice President
Council President
Board Director
Designation
Assistant Director
Director Climatology
Co-Facilitor
Senior
Marketing
Communications
Manager
Marine Biologist
Assistant Chief Engineer
Area HR Director
Director of Sales
Secretariat
Vice President
Dive Instructor
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Name
Ahmed Rasheed Ibrahim
Fathimath Naziya
Naasiha Hassan didi
Dr, Aishath Shakeela
Safa Musthafa
Raul Estevez
Organization
Parliament Member
MoTAC
Attorney Generals Office
TAP
UNDP
One & Only Reethi Rah,
Maldives
Adam Ibrahim
Fihalhohi Island Resort
Mohamed Naseer
Villa Shipping & Trading
Rolf Berthhold
N. Randheli
Ahmed Riyaz
LAM
Abdulla Nishad
AA. Rasdhoo
Maldives Airports Company Maldives Airports Company
Limited
Limited
Fayyaz Ibrahim
Divers Lodge
Name
Mohamed Adly
Abdulla Fayaz
Fathmath
Fizna
Yoosuf
Shrawan Kumar
Nabeel Abdulla
Mohamed Mihad
Ahmed Iqbal
Mohamed Nabeel
Ahmed Aseef
Ali Nishaf Rasheed
Mohamed Rassam
Fathmath Shaufa
Designation
Isdhoo Dhaairaage Member
Director
Deputy State Attorney
Consultant
Project Coordinator
HR Admin and relations Manager
General Manager
Technical Engineer
Mg. Partner
Managing Director
Council Member
Maldives Airports Company Limited
Dive Instructor
Organization
Designation
MoTAC
Assistant Director
Ministry of Housing and Infrastucture Technical Advisor
Maldives Energy Authority
Assistant Engineer
Vivanta
B.Finolhas/Coastline
N. Randheli
STELCO
STO
BML
Domus
Domus
Min. of Housing & Infrastructure.
Chief Engineer
Sales & Marketing Director
Male' Office Manager
Senoir Engineer
General Manager
Directors, Built Environment / Design
Directors, Built Environment / Design
Assistant Architect
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Name
Imad Mohamed
Mr. Norense Iyahen
Hussain Jinan
Hassan Rasheed
Shahid
David Balson
Iyaz Waheed
Peter Gremes
Mohamed Jalaal
Fayaz Ibrahim
Ali shifaq
Hussain Fahumy
Hassan Sinan
Fareeha Shareef
Organization
Local Government Authority
TAP
UNDP
Bandos Island Resort and Spa
Holiday Inn Kandooma
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Velassaru Resorts
Reethi Beach Resort
Dive Point
K. Huraa
L. Maamendhoo
Addu City
K. Maafushi
FJS Consulting
Designation
Senior Planning Officer
Consultant
Private sector coordinator
Name
Mohamed Musnim
Prof. Peter Burns
Ms. Aminath Ibrahim
Organization
Ministry of Finance
TAP
UNDP
Sinan Nizar
Anantara Dhigu finolhi, Naladhu
Ms. Sara R. Cipolini
Moosa Shan
Ismail Shiyar
Plan Hotel/ Thundu fushi
Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Vaidots Kirsys
Hussain Afeef
Gili Lankanfushi
LUX* Maldives
Moosa Solih
Fathmath Naffaasha
Maldives Airports Company Limited
MTCC
Hafeeza Abdulla
CDE
Mohamed Moosa Didi
Dr. Zahid Hameed
Min. of Housing & Infrastructure.
Maldives Meteorological Services
Designation
Senior Accounts Officer
Consultant
Communication
officer
platform
Assistant Manager Emply
Relations
Planhotel President
Marine Lab
Director-Learning
and
Development
Marine Biologist
Director
of
Training,
Development and Quality
Assurance
AVP Energy Development
Senior Business Development
Officer
Senior
Environmental
Consultant
Assistant Engineer
Director Climatology
HR Manager
Marine Biologist
General Manager
Diving Instructor
Council Member
Council President
Council Member
Administrative Officer
CEO
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
24
Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Ministry of
Tourism,
Arts & Culture
Tourism Adaptation Project (TAP) Workshop
Building Partnership for Climate Change
Adaptation Forum
27th June 2013 - Bandos Island Resort
08:00 – 09:00 DEPARTURE FROM MALE’
Departure from Male’
Arrival and Registration
09:00 – 09:30 OFFICIAL OPENING
Recitation of Holy Quran by Al Qari Abdul Jaleel Ismail
A Brief Introduction of TAP Project and Workshop Objectives by National Project
Director Mr. Moosa Zameer Hassan
Opening Remarks by the President His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Waheed
Hassan Manik
Remarks by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Ahmed
Musthafa Mohamed
Remarks by UNDP Resident Representative for Maldives Mr. Tony Lisle
09:30 – 10:00 PHOTO & MEDIA SESSION
10:00 – 11:30 PRESENTATION OF TAP PROJECT CONSULTATIONS
Solid Waste Management Practices and its Vulnerability to Climate Risks in
Maldives Tourism Sector by National Project Manager Mr. Farooq Mohamed
Hassan
Reviews of Existing Laws and Regulation Relevant to Climate Change
Adaptation by TAP Consultant Dr. Aishath Shakeela
Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation in the Water and Wastewater
Services in Resorts and Dependent Communities by National Project Manager
Mr. Farooq Mohamed Hassan
11:30 – 12:30 PRESENTATION OF ONGOING PROJECTS
Wetland Conservation and Coral Reef Monitoring for Adaptation to Climate
Change by Coral Component Coordinator Mr. Hussein Zahir
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Cleaner Production in Resorts and Hotels in the Republic of Maldives by
Assistant Engineer, Maldives Energy Authority Mr. Akram Waheed
12:30 – 13:30 LUNCH AND NETWORKING
-
At Gallery Restaurant (Main Restaurant)
13:30 – 14:30 OTHER PRESENTATIONS
An Introduction to Climate Risk Financing Models by TAP Consultant Mr.
Norense Iyahen
Presentation of Proposed Climate Adaptation Platform by TAP consultant
Professor Peter Burns
Introduction to the Partnering for Development Initiative by UNDP Private
Sector Coordinator Mr. Hussain Jinan
14:30 – 15:30 GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Group 1 - Solid Waste Management Practices and its Vulnerability to Climate
Risks in Maldives Tourism Sector
Group 2 - Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation in the Water and
Wastewater Services in Resorts and Dependent Communities
Group 3 - Reviews of Existing Laws and Regulations Relevant to Climate Change
Adaptation
Group 4 - Reviewing National Building Regulations for Climate Resilience
Group 5 - Partnering for Climate Change Adaptation
Group 6 - Making Tourism Operations More Climate Resilient
15:30 – 16:00 TEA BREAK
-
Conference Hall Corridor
16:00 –17:30 PRESENTATIONS OF GROUP FINDINGS
Group Presentations
Closing Remarks by Minister of State for Tourism, Arts & Culture Mr. Ahmed
Shameem
18:00 REFRESHMENTS AND NETWORKING
-
Conference Hall Corridor
19:00 DEPARTURE FROM BANDOS
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Forum for Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation
Increasing climate change resilience of Maldives through adaptation in the tourism
sector (TAP) is a project that is being implemented by the Government of Maldives (GoM)
with the support of the Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF), the Global Environment
Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme Country Office (UNDP CO) in
Maldives, to help the tourism industry of the Maldives and the island communities that
depend heavily on the industry, to cope with the risks associated with climate change. The
project is designed to provide the tourism sector in Maldives with the required policy
environment, regulatory guidance, technical skills and knowledge to ensure that climate
change-related risks are systematically factored into day-to-day tourism operations. In
addition undertaking assessments and studies, the project would also help develop the
capacity of the government as well as the tourism industry to better prepare them to
cohesively adapt to the expected impacts of climate change.
As an initial step to better prepare the industry and its dependent communities to
climate change, the project has initiated several studies covering the tourism sector and the
dependent communities. These studies cover a wide area related to climate change
adaptation including, waste management, waste management, adaptation capacity,
economic valuation, building code and climate risk insurance.
Objectives of the Forum:
a) Share with the industry the key findings of the studies conducted;
b) Prioritize the key climate change risks for the industry;
c) Generate ideas for pilot projects that can be implemented in partnership with the industry
and depended communities to promote adaptation to climate change in the tourism sector
and dependent communities;
d) To formalize and adopt the proposed national tourism climate change adaptation
platform;
e) Review the key recommendations of the studies undertaken, and make a set of
priority recommendations for policy and regulatory changes.
The aim of the partnership projects mentioned above is to demonstrate possible
adaptation activities in the area of climate-resilient infrastructure; freshwater management;
waste and wastewater management; protection of coastal ridges and vegetative belts; and
diversification of energy services with renewable sources.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
The workshop will be attended by policy makers, resort owners, investors, cities and
island councilors, engineers, architects, NGOs and the media. Also, case studies and best
practices from the industry on climate change adaptation will be showcased.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Baseline Analysis of Adaptation Capacity and Climate
Change Vulnerability Impacts in the Tourism Sector
Report Summary
i)
ii)
iii)



To determine the existing vulnerabilities, existing adaptation responses and gaps
in response to climate change
To determine the awareness and vulnerability of the tourism operators, and
dependent communities and
To determine the readiness of the government institutions to tackle the issues to
address the climate change vulnerabilities.
Tourism operators (tours operators, safaris and resorts),
Associated communities
Policy makers (government institutions and other tourism related associations)
Awareness on Climate Change


74% of tourism operators perceive that climate change is due to human
interventions
15% of tourism operators have no knowledge of what causes climate change but
accept climate is changing
Awareness on Policy Instruments


More than 60% of tourism operators are aware about the Tourism Act and the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, however many agreed that they
do not know the in-depth of these regulations.
Most tour operators lack awareness on policy instruments
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Climate Risk Financing



More than 65% of the resorts, 62% of the safaris and 50% of the tour operators have
insurance coverage in place for climate related hazards
A significant amount are insured for storm surges, rainfall induced flooding and
storms
19% of the tourism operators have other types of financial mechanisms (such as
tourist donations, environmental fees and revolving funds) in place for addressing
climate change and other environmental issues.
Industry Perception




Major concern is the damage to the natural environment and decrease in the
number of tourist arrival
Climate change is a concern for 78% of the surveyed population
The rest do not foresee that they need to be concerned about the adverse effect of
climate change.
80% of the tourism operators agreed that making future investment into climate
change hazards would be beneficial in the future
Adaptation and Mitigation Measures




60% of resorts accounted for beach replenishment while 20% of them practiced
beach revetment
Safaris have back-up power and communications systems and desalinated water
systems
The most common form of coastal protection practised by the resorts is the use of
sea walls
Most of the tourism operators practice sustainable waste management practices
such as waste segregation and composting
Community Interaction





Close collaboration with the associated communities and the tourism industry was
shown by the 89% of tourism operators
Resorts interact as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and business
Safari and tour operators interact mainly for business
76% of the tourism operators stated that their business would have an impact if
these communities are affected by climate related hazards.
The mutual benefit received from these communities harbour facilities for the safaris
and health centre benefits for the resorts
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Risks and Concerns








The most concerning impacts identified by the tourism operators were beach
erosion, coral bleaching and increase in extreme weather events.
Tourism operators report that they are unable to inform the tourists about the best
season to visit the country due to the unpredictable nature of the monsoons, and
have received complaints from tourists who are under the impression that they are
being misled.
Almost all the tourism operators raised the concern of non-presences of waste
management facilities in several places of the country.
One of the major concerns raised by the safari operators was the unavailability or
lack of a proper harbour to anchor the safaris with appropriate shelter.
Safari operators have encountered several incidences where vessels were damaged
during the said monsoon.
Tourism associated communities identified that beach erosion, drought, rainfall
induced flooding and storms are the main impacts of climate change to those
communities.
60% of surveyed communities have experienced climate induced infrastructure
damage.
Infrastructure damage has led to severe financial constraints
Adaptive gaps and barriers to climate change adaptation







Tourism operators lack appropriate technical expertise
30% motioned that there is no appropriate technology available for adaptation
20% of tourism operators face financial constraints in investing in infrastructure
Little consideration is given to quantify financial losses from climate induced damage
Relationship between the government institutions and the other stakeholders need
to be strengthened to work in a more cohesive and collaborative environment.
Awareness is required on climate financing and insurance packages relevant to
stakeholders
Increasing awareness and strengthening the implementation of policy instruments
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices and Its
Vulnerability to Climate Risks in the Maldives Tourism
Sector
Report Summary









Identify the type of solid waste produced by tourism services providers (industry and
dependent communities) in Maldives;
Review solid waste management practices with particular attention given to waste
collection, transfer and disposal methods being practiced and identify the solid
waste in terms of production levels;
Identify and analyse the level of vulnerability of existing solid waste management to
climate risks;
Identify and document international and national best practices for solid waste
management and inform tourism industry and its dependent communities;
Review existing laws, policies, plans, strategies and guidelines/standards for solid
waste management for tourism sector in Maldives;
Identify gaps in monitoring and reporting system for adherence to solid waste
management in the tourism sector;
Provide policy and legislative recommendations to enhance or improve solid waste
management in the tourism industry to mitigate climate risks; and
Identity solid waste management options in the tourism sector to mitigate climate
risks through Best Practical Environmental Options (BPEO)
Identify and review the national commitments to international bilateral and
multilateral conventions/protocols pertaining to climate change and relate this to
existing waste management practices in the tourism sector
Waste Characteristics and Composition



An estimated 860 metric tons per day (mtpd), or 312,075 metric tons (mt) per year,
of solid waste is discarded in the Maldives.
21% is attributed to tourism with the balance divided among urban areas (65%) and
island communities (35%)
An estimated 134 mtpd of solid waste is generated by the 101 resorts in the
Maldives; whereas, the safari vessels (157 boats) discarded an average of 8.0 mtpd.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum



Island community solid waste was reported to have a high organic fraction (70%).
Recyclables (metals and plastics) account for only 3% of discards; while the balance
of the solid waste is classified as residuals.
At tourist resorts the organics fraction wast estimated to account for 89% of
discards. The primary components being food waste (40%) snd- garden / yard
(landscaping) trash (38%)
On safari boats there are no landscaping wastes causing food waste to be 67% of
wastes from vessels.
Solid Waste Management Practices
Tourist Waste Components




Food discards are separated from other wastes and dumped in the ocean.
Combustible waste components including garden / yard (landscaping) trash and
paper products are incinerated
Dispersed, generation of materials presents a logistics obstacle to cost effective
consolidation
Residual waste includes construction and demolition (C&D) debris (organics such as
wood and paper and inorganics such as concrete), glass, miscellaneous discards such
as textiles, leather, rubber, and hazardous waste such as batteries. Some of these
residuals such as glass are recycled or used as clean fill on resort developments.
Island Communities



Waste collected from households by a private operator or carried by householders
may be taken to an Island Waste Management Center (IWMC),
Many IWMC’s have reached full capacity and waste is discarded in public areas
creating aesthetic and environmental concerns
A number of such centers have been constructed but unfortunately a program for
gathering waste from the centers for shipment to a suitable location in the Maldives
does not exist.
Thilafushi Treatment / Disposal Site




Since the early 1970s, waste has been used to fill the lagoon on Thilafushi Island.
A portion of the island is used as waste management treatment and disposal facility
for Male’ and other areas of the Maldives that choose to deliver waste to the site.
The site operation program includes open burning to reduce the volume of waste for
disposal.
A proposed plan under negotiation would contract with a company that will manage
the waste received through its use for energy in the form of electricity.
Proposed Solid Waste Management Facilities.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum

Two potential waste management programs are under development to serve Ari
Atoll and several atolls in the Northern Region
Institutional Factors for Solid Waste Management for the Tourism Sector







The Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture administers the regulations specifically
directed at waste management at tourist facilities which are known as the
Regulation on the Protection and Conservation of Environment in the Tourism
Industry.
Regulation requires incinerators to be used reduce the volume of the organic
fraction of discards, with the exception of plastics
Exceptions are food waste that can be disposed of in the sea, and plastics that are
prohibited from combustion due to concern about toxic emissions.
Crushers are used to process glass bottles
A National Solid Waste Management Policy defines a comprehensive number of solid
waste topics and strategies for implementation, which have yet to be fully
implemented
Draft solid waste regulations were published in 2010 and are being revised
Maldives is a party to the Kyoto Protocol as a key multilateral convention / protocol
Monitoring of Solid Waste in the Tourism Sector


Tourist resorts are visited annually by MoTAC staff, however, the expense of visits to
resorts are paid for by the resorts, which means that the resorts have ample advance
notice of such visits.
A program to log delivery of waste to the Thilafushi treatment / disposal site was
also instituted by the Male’ City Council in order to be able to account for the use of
the unloading dock.
• As waste is dispersed over a wide area leading to logistically challenging and
expensive options for the collection and treatment / disposal. Failure to implement a
rational solid waste program will have a long-term deleterious effect on the tourism
sector
 Incineration of garden / yard (landscaping) waste and paper products could reduce
the volume for disposal by 90%, however there may be a trade-off between volume
reduction and air emissions
 Small-scale incinerators used at resorts may result in emissions of particulates
(smoke) and toxics due to inadequate staff training and lack of equipment
maintenance
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
 Composting of landscaping and food waste might offer an alternative to incineration
 Low technology composting systems (windrow) are land intensive; whereas higher
technology options will reduce the need for land area but an increased CAPEX
investment in equipment.
• Further disposal capacity could be made available at Thilafushi by an increase in the
elevation for waste disposal as opposed to a mounded landfill which would limit
future uses for the disposal site
• Additional disposal capacity is needed and there seems to be a consensus that there
are limited areas to develop additional disposal capacity in the Male’ area.
• Development of treatment / disposal centers in additional areas, such as the Ari
Atolls and the North Central Region, in the Maldives are important components to a
comprehensive solid waste management system.
• A transport structure to transfer waste from tourist facilities and island communities
is a challenge to development of a comprehensive, cost effective treatment and
disposal network for the Maldives
 A transport option suggested that might be suitable is a transfer / transport system
that would use barges to store waste at tourist facilities and island communities.
• Severe storms, including sea surges that lead to flooding, and damaging winds, are
the primary climate risks to the Maldivian solid waste management system in the
near term. Rising sea levels also pose a risk in a longer term basis.
• It might be worthwhile for the Maldives to establish / participate in a
communications network among SIDS to share information on institutional laws,
regulations, enforcement programs, and policies; operational practices; funding
mechanisms; and related considerations for the mutual benefit of SIDS members.
• The draft National Solid Waste Management Policy (released in 2010) defines
policies and strategies for a sound solid waste management system. For various
reasons the policy has not been implemented to the detriment of the national waste
management program and the tourism sector in particular.
 A regulation to require that waste loads transported by mechanical means on land
(truck) or sea be either put into enclosed containers or covered by a tarp / net to
prevent spillage / blowing of solid waste along waste transport routes is of particular
importance to the tourism sector
• A formal system for tracking waste flows would be useful for development of plans /
programs to manage solid waste in a more organized manner.
 A realistic plan and implementation schedule that considers that can be met is
needed for waste management in the tourism sector and the island communities
36
Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
 A nationwide plan should include detailed studies such as a cost effective transfer
operation that might include a ‘hub and spoke’ approach.
 Suitable regulations on waste management activities also should be developed,
along with a practical monitoring program would also be an important part of a plan.
It would allow the tracking of progress on improvements to a solid waste program
and provide a basis for modifications as needed.
 The Maldives also should be involved with the other member of SIDS especially those
in the Pacific sector that tend to be archipelago countries that depend economically
on tourism
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Consultancy to Address Barriers to Effective Climate
Change Adaptation in the Water and Wastewater Services
in Resorts and in Dependent Communities
Report Summary











Identify existing policy and regulatory barriers including short-term regulatory
horizons, unclear regulatory roles and responsibilities, inconsistent policies, lack of
coordination in response to climate change impacts, shared risks, information gaps,
and climate data access issues.
Classify barriers to climate change adaptation in water and wastewater services,
where barriers to climate change adaptation occur as a result of existing
infrastructure and development.
Provide an analysis of the strategic and tactical planning needs, design and
installation, operations and maintenance of the water and wastewater services.
Identify adaptation needs, and propose measures on how the water and wastewater
services can contribute to the overall community response and adaptation to climate
change.
Propose an effective risk management approach to adaptation planning to achieve
climate change adaptation which is both transparent and flexible.
Review the laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to production, treatment and
distribution of freshwater, and collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater.
Assess the location of the freshwater and wastewater related facilities and
infrastructure, with respect to the permissibility of locating the related infrastructure
in areas susceptible to weather-related catastrophic events
Analyze the key elements related to the production, treatment and distribution of
freshwater and collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in tourism related
facilities including planning needs (strategic and tactical), design and installation,
operation and maintenance and service continuity.
Propose construction standards and management guidelines to be applied and
enforced during construction of water and wastewater networks and facilities during
resort construction, expansions and renovations.
Review and amend policies, laws and byelaws governing the production, recycling
and re-use of water and wastewater, and dovetail amended water conservation
codes into the National Building Code and other local regulations.
Review and amend green codes and integrate them with the building byelaws.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum

Identify the information gaps required to cater to various stakeholders such as resort
owners and island communities.
Assessment of Current Gaps and Barriers
Institutional





Efficiency of tourism Directorate (MOTAC) is reduced due to not being represented
at the provincial – Atoll level.
Absence of decentralization reduces the capacity to co-ordinate between the
tourism stakeholders and especially between resorts owners managers and local
neighboring communities
No institutional framework for such co-ordination
Water sector strategy has seemed to be interrupted in 2008 when MWSA was
absorbed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to its broader mandate.
EPA is hampered by the wide spectrum of its duties and by under sized human and
material tools, and institutional changes from the patronage of one Ministry to the
other.
Regulatory




The water sector is suffering chronically from absence of dedicated national strategy
despite one being announced in 1999.
Regulations specific to the water sector are not achieved through national standards
which hampers strict application of neither sector's own guidelines nor those of
other sectors.
Tourism regulations attempt to fill the gap although they define minimum standards
and are hence poorly enforceable
National standards for sewage and water resource management have yet to be
developed
Practices
Resorts and tourism operators
39
Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum










Storage of fresh water is often less than 5-days consumption, required by the
Regulation on the Protection and Conservation of Environment in the Tourism
Industry.
Fresh water reservoirs are not always elevated making the infrastructure less
resilient to sea level rise or erosion threats.
In some resorts without wastewater treatment facility, wastewater is discharged
untreated in soakage pits from which contamination of groundwater is likely to
occur.
Rainwater harvesting is limited to personnel buildings, even when roofs of guest
houses are suitable for RWH.
When wastewater is not treated for reuse, desalted water is used for gardening.
Leakage detection measurements are not done, metering of consumption of each
usage apart (kitchen, gardening, bathing, etc) is not of common usage in all resorts.
Regular monitoring of water quality is often limited to fresh water, when it should be
of the same importance for discharged wastewater or treated reused wastewater.
Regulating agencies (e.g. EPA) are unable to play their role of monitoring and
enforcing the compliance to regulations.
Because of their moving status archipelago-wide, practices of liveabord operators
are more-or-less not monitored regarding to management of water and liquid and
solid waste.
Concertation and co-ordination with neighbouring islands' communities is often
absent about protecting common coral reef, facing coastal erosion or avoiding
excessive liquid and/or solid waste.
Dependent Communities







RWH is often used without filtration, even if are available technologies easy to install
and maintain at community level.
Chlorination is also often avoided because of odour and taste.
Contamination of groundwater becoming a threat to public health these recent
years, desalination is often seen as "The solution" for fresh water scarcity while the
alternative of RWH has never been developed at its full potential.
Community Councils has almost systematic lacks in skilled technical staff to operate
and maintain their islands' desalination and wastewater facilities; no training
programme is available neither on their level nor at national level.
When public authorities are unable to provide technical assistance to requesting
communities, the latter have no affordability to pay such services from the private
sector (such as from MWSC).
Population is generally awaiting for public or aid assistance including to satisfy their
Fresh water or sanitation needs, sometimes even reluctant to appropriate the
offered facilities.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Water Sector Reform
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Country needs changes in its policy of water and sanitation in order to cope with the
demands of its adaptation to climate change threats.
The New National Policy on Water Sector should be built on three pillars:
o Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM);
o Demand-Driven approach;
o Solidarity between all beneficiaries of the heritage of Maldives
Refresh the old initiative of MWSA to provide the country with a national water
sector strategy based on the concept of Integrated Water Resources Management
(IWRM).
Agencies, communities and users should work together as partners, and agree upon
planned activities as users and communities are increasingly assuming the
responsibilities of operating, maintaining and managing their water-supply and
sanitation systems.
Include a "demand driven" approach in the new water management strategy for
both fresh water supply and sanitation services, and thus implement the legal
framework of providing the services in conformity with the willingness of beneficiary
communities to adopt the level/technology of services they are affordable to pay.
Commitment of bidders for tourist resort to upgrade life conditions of neighbouring
communities should be later monitored by setting up suitable indicators
Institutional Strengthening
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Revival of MWSA could be a minimum level solution to embrace specific
requirements of the water sector.
The Government of Maldives should "Regulate more, advocate better and enforce
stricter
Develop a capacity building plan for EPA and newly-MWSA technical staff focusing
on both legal procedures and technical tasks such as sampling, testing and analysing
The government should implement vocational training programmes for private selfemployees in order to create a population of certified assessors and monitors,
sufficient in number and country widespread.
Government could also indicate/fix level of fees of related services provided by
certified assessors that incentivize young people with minimum technical skills to
engage in this activity.
Create a permanent concertation body at national level, partnering public and
private stakeholders for issues of water and wastewater in the tourism industry and
dependent communities.
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Follow-up Report: Building Partnerships for Climate Change Adaptation Forum
Amendment of Respective Regulations
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Review National Building Code
o Necessary to rewrite the five clauses among the 35 clauses which are dealing
with fresh water and wastewater with a focus on "how to build" facilities
rather than "for which purpose"
o Specific clauses have to be added in order to embrace rain water harvesting
and renewable energies within construction regulations.
o Climate proof of the buildings and facilities, for both houses as resorts,
should be assured with clear and precise technical standards and
specifications.
Develop a National Water Code
o To establish the basic principles and framework relating to the appropriation,
control and conservation of water resources and to achieve the optimum
development and rational utilization of these resources;
o To define the extent of the rights and obligation of water users and owners
including
the protection and regulation of such rights;
o To adopt a basic law governing the ownership, appropriation, utilization,
exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water resources
and rights to land related thereto;
o To identify the administrative agencies that will enforce the Code.
Develop National Water Standards to address the lack of “compliance documents” in
the NBC and other guidelines related to freshwater and wastewater management in
urban areas, outer islands and resorts islands
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