The Maldives, acutely threatened by the repercussions of climate change, stands on the front lines of this global challenge, despite having contributed little to the problem. The Maldives hosts a wealth of potential climate solutions.

The Republic of Maldives, a low-lying atoll nation, is among the countries most threatened by climate change impacts, despite its minimal contribution to global carbon emissions. From rising sea levels to mass coral bleaching, Maldivians face the consequences of climate change each day, and as a result these islands also host a wealth of potential climate solutions that are helping communities to adapt to these realities.

Over the past two years, Solimar International has supported scaling these adaptation solutions under the USAID Climate Adaptation Project (CAP). At the national level, Solimar supported the publication of the first Maldives Tourism Climate Action Plan by the Ministry of Tourism in August 2023 following more than a year of consultations with private and public stakeholders. The Action Plan and supporting Climate Smart Tourism Pledge provides information and incentives for businesses to invest in 10 potential adaptation solutions. Businesses across the Maldives now have the opportunity to receive support in investing in adaptation solutions and gain recognition for their efforts in utilizing innovative and nature-friendly solutions, such as restoring coral reefs or protecting native island vegetation.

At the local island level, Solimar is supporting the creation of the first Destination Management Organization (DMO) in the Maldives, the Horsburgh Atoll Tourism Association (HATA). This DMO will create a tourism model co-owned by the community and designed to more equitably share tourism’s benefits while addressing conservation challenges in the unique Horsburgh Atoll. The first of its kind in the Maldives, the government hopes to use this as a model to guide the development of local tourism across the islands.

In November, USAID Administrator Samantha Power even paid a visit to the atoll to learn more about the unique DMO model and how local stakeholders are working with USAID CAP and Solimar to find adaptation solutions. Following her visit, Samantha Power tweeted “Goidhoo Atoll, one of nearly 200 inhabited islands in Maldives, has just 500 residents, but they are coming together to reclaim the natural habitat which has been harmed by climate change and land mismanagement. USAID is eager to support restoration of mangroves & build eco-tourism.”

Photo caption: Participants at the Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Planning Workshop in the Horsburgh Atoll in June 2023.