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NDMA and Partners Conclude the First-Ever South Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Addu City

NDMA and Partners Conclude First-Ever South Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2024,  in Addu City

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

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

Organized under the Enhancing Resilience Planning and Strengthening Community Preparedness (ERCP) Project, the two-day forum from 19th–20th November 2024, brought together 96 participants representing key government institutions, local councils, NGOs, academia, and the private sector from across the southern region.

This landmark initiative aimed to strengthen regional coordination and foster inclusive dialogue on integrating DRR into national and local development planning. The discussions underscored the importance of disaster risk reduction as a cornerstone for sustainable development and socioeconomic resilience in the Maldives.

Key Highlights

  • Local councils, including the Addu City Council, Fuvahmulah City Council, GDh. Hoadehdhoo Council, Ga. Kolamaafushi Council, and GA. Villingili Council, presented their ongoing efforts in disaster preparedness and risk mitigation. These initiatives reflect the importance of decentralized governance and local leadership in strengthening disaster management across the Maldives’ dispersed islands.

  • The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy (MCCEE) emphasized the role of technology, innovation, and ecosystem-based solutions in developing effective early warning systems and enhancing national resilience.

  • NDMA and MRC shared progress achieved through the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRM) program, which empowers communities to take proactive roles in managing disaster risks.

  • Representatives from the Maldives National Defence Force Southern Command and the Maldives Police Service shared operational experiences from recent disaster response efforts, including flood and fire incidents, highlighting lessons learned and areas for strengthened coordination.

  • The Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works discussed challenges in aligning local DRR initiatives with national frameworks and enhancing multi-sectoral engagement.

  • Allied Insurance underscored the role of risk insurance and financial resilience, while NDMA and MRC facilitated a panel discussion on public-private partnerships in disaster risk reduction financing with participation from the Ministry of Tourism and the Local Government Authority. This dialogue explored opportunities to mobilize private sector investment to strengthen national resilience.

NDMA’s Continued Commitment

As the national authority for disaster risk management, NDMA remains committed to building resilience through partnerships, innovation, and local empowerment. Through such initiatives NDMA continues to strengthen national and community capacities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

These efforts align with the Government of Maldives’ vision to integrate DRR into all sectors of development planning, ensuring a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for communities across the Maldives.