The Government of Maldives and the Government of Japan signed an Exchange of Notes today for the “Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in Malé Island” at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agreement marks a significant step towards bolstering the Maldives’ ability to withstand natural disasters, particularly rising sea levels, which pose a growing threat to the island nation.
The Exchange of Notes was signed by the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Moosa Zameer, and the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Her Excellency Takeuchi Midori. The initiative falls under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Programme, signifying the first phase of a comprehensive project to renovate the Malé seawall. This initial phase will focus on the design aspect of the renovation, with a contribution of 20 million Japanese Yen (approximately USD 140,000).
The Malé seawall is a critical piece of infrastructure that has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the capital city from natural disasters. Constructed in the 1990s with Japanese assistance, the seawall gained prominence following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. During the catastrophic event, Malé was notably shielded from the full impact of the tsunami, a testament to the seawall’s effectiveness and the foresight of its planners. The structure has since become a symbol of resilience and cooperation between the Maldives and Japan, with this new project further cementing that partnership.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Zameer underscored the significance of the seawall renovation in enhancing the Maldives’ preparedness for future climate-related disasters. “This project is a testament to the enduring friendship between the Maldives and Japan, ensuring continued protection for future generations,” he said. Referring to the 2004 tsunami, Minister Zameer noted that the seawall constructed in the 1990s had significantly protected Malé City and its inhabitants from the devastating impact of the disaster.
Minister Zameer also expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for their ongoing support, highlighting the close and friendly relations between the two countries. “Projects like this underscore Japan’s role as a key partner in the Maldives’ development journey,” he added.
Japan has long been a crucial development partner for the Maldives, providing both technical and financial assistance across various sectors, including disaster management, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation. The renovation of the seawall is not only a necessary step in fortifying the country’s capital against the perils of climate change but also a reflection of Japan’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Maldives’ sustainable development goals.
As small island nations like the Maldives continue to face the challenges posed by climate change, international partnerships and support become increasingly vital. The planned renovation of the Malé seawall is a proactive measure in mitigating the impacts of rising sea levels and extreme weather events, which are projected to increase in frequency and intensity in the coming decades.
The signing ceremony was attended by other high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, as well as representatives from the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The collaboration between the Maldives and Japan on this seawall renovation project marks a new chapter in their bilateral relations, focusing on disaster resilience and climate adaptation. As this initiative unfolds, it is expected to play a critical role in securing the future of Malé and its residents against the looming threats of climate change.
