Maldives Endorses Comprehensive 2024-2030 Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy

The National Disaster Management Council, chaired by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has officially endorsed the ‘Maldives Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2024-2030’. The strategy was approved during a National Disaster Management Council meeting held at the President’s Office on Tuesday.

The ‘Maldives Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2024-2030’ aims to anticipate, reduce, and manage the risks associated with both natural and man-made disasters, including climate change. The primary objective of the strategy is to minimise disaster damage by addressing the root causes of risks and vulnerabilities in the natural and built environment, residences, and infrastructure.

The strategy aims to foster community resilience by focusing on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ratification of the strategy will facilitate the reduction and mitigation of disaster-related risks and contribute to building human capacity in the field of disaster risk reduction, according to a statement by the President‘s Office.

The strategy also aims to strengthen the Maldives’ global advocacy efforts against climate change, particularly focusing on the risks faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), according to the President‘s Office. The adoption of this strategy aligns with Goal 5 of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which emphasises “Building Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction, aiming not only to restore communities after disasters but also to enhance their resilience to future threats.

The Sendai Framework, which mandates that signatories implement disaster risk reduction strategies before 2030, was passed on 18 March 2015 at the third UN World Congress in Sendai, Japan. The Sendai Framework outlines global goals and priorities to reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience. The Maldives stands among the pioneering nations to ratify a national disaster risk reduction strategy, aligning with its comprehensive efforts in climate change adaptation.

An annex of the strategy is dedicated to enhancing resilience efforts and improving efficiency through the newly established Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy and the National Adaptation Plan, both of which are being developed in accordance with the Paris Agreement.