Colombo, 5 December 2013 SW D (2013) 1290

THE EUROPEAN UNION GIVES EUR 4 MILLION TO TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

The European Union approved a contribution of EUR 4 million towards climate change on 03 rd December 2013. The EU has supported development activities in Maldives for more than a decade which is highlighted by its total contribution to date of approximately EUR 38 million.

To reflect the commitment of the EU in tackling the issues related to Climate Change, a first contribution of EUR 6.5 million was made to the Government of Maldives in 2009. The current projects, being implemented by the World Bank in partnership with the Government of Maldives, focuses specifically on renewable energy solutions, wetlands conservation, rainwater harvesting, coral reef monitoring and solid waste management.

Acknowledged as Maldives first government-own pilot project is an innovative mechanism to provide 300 MWh annually of renewable energy through grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems. This initiative will benefit 7000 inhabitants on Island in the Gaafu Dhaalu .

Further 22,000 inhabitants will benefit from a second project that is being implemented in of , of and Alif Alif Island in North . It will enable the Government in implementing a clear strategy for wetland and drainage management, ecotourism and community rainwater harvesting. The Project also aims at partnering with tourist resorts for coral reef monitoring and demonstrates the manner in which efficient monitoring can be used as a tool to support decision-making, particularly in the context of coral reef protection and conservation.

In selected inhabited islands of the Ari Atoll a pilot project has been implemented to help communities manage solid waste generated, thereby reducing the environmental risks to marine habitats and greenhouse gas emissions.

Building on the success of the current climate change support to the Maldives, the new funds will replicate on-going projects, but with a geographic focus on the two southern most atoll eco systems, namely Addu, the second most populated atoll, and Fuvahmulah Atoll. Besides addressing the problem of Climate Change, the new projects will also help strengthen the governance structures of the country, by building capacity of the local government and communities alike.

Speaking on the occasion, the EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives H.E. Mr David Daly said "Climate change is one of the most pressing development issues that we need to address in today's world. The EU has always been at the forefront of concrete action against climate change, while Maldives has through its commitment to Carbon Neutrality and more recent pledge to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at the Rio Summit, led the world by example. The implementation of this project signifies both the EU's and Maldives’ commitment towards improving climate resilience of vulnerable communities and improving institutional and management so as to support the integration of climate resilience into national plans and sectoral policies".

For more information on the European Union’s Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives go to: http://www.dellka.ec.europa.eu/en/index.htm