MRC and NDMA Conclude South Regional DRR Platform in Addu City

MV+ News Desk | November 21, 2024

The Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Addu City Council, successfully concluded the South Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), marking the first such forum held in Addu City.

Organised under the Enhancing Resilience Planning and Strengthening Community Preparedness (ERCP) Project, this initiative was supported by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID BHA). Held from 19–20 November, the forum convened 96 participants, including representatives from government agencies, local councils, non-governmental organisations, academia, and businesses across the southern atolls of GA, GDh, GN, and S. The platform aimed to strengthen disaster risk reduction efforts and foster regional resilience through collaborative planning and knowledge sharing.

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Discussions during the forum underscored the importance of embedding disaster risk reduction in national development strategies, recognising its pivotal role in safeguarding socio-economic progress. With the Maldives’ unique geographic characteristics and dispersed population, interagency and regional collaboration were highlighted as essential to effective disaster management.

Key speakers from NDMA and the Addu City Council provided insights into national and local disaster management strategies, while the Maldives Meteorological Service and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Energy emphasised the role of early warning systems and ecosystem-based approaches.

Local councils, including Fuvahmulah City Council, GDh. Hoadehdhoo Council, and GA. Villingili Council, shared their efforts in implementing disaster management plans tailored to their respective islands. These presentations highlighted the crucial role of local governance in strengthening community resilience given the geographic sparsity of the Maldives.

Representatives from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Southern Command and the Maldives Police Service outlined their roles in recent disaster response operations, including responses to fires and floods. Lessons learnt and strategies for community awareness and engagement were a focal point, emphasising the importance of coordinated interagency efforts.

The Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works also shared challenges faced in coordinating disaster risk management and enhancing community participation in DRR initiatives.

The forum featured discussions on the role of public-private partnerships in disaster management. Allied Insurance highlighted the potential of risk insurance as a protective mechanism against disaster impacts. A panel facilitated by the MRC brought together representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Local Government Authority, and NDMA to explore avenues for collaboration with private businesses in strengthening the nation’s economic resilience.

The event reaffirmed the commitment of the Maldivian government and its partners to strengthening disaster preparedness, response capacity, and community-based risk reduction efforts. By fostering partnerships and promoting collective action, the Maldives aims to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and build a more resilient future.

The Maldivian Red Crescent, as a key partner in DRR, reiterated its commitment to advancing community-driven resilience initiatives. Aligned with its strategic priorities of strengthening emergency response and facilitating planning for resilience, the MRC continues to collaborate with government agencies, civil society, and international partners to protect vulnerable populations from future climate-related threats.

This landmark forum represents a significant step towards fostering a safer and more sustainable future for the Maldives.

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