SUMMARY 

Funded through the UNDP Funding Window – Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Engagement Facility, this US$1,982,764 project is implemented by UNDP in close partnership with the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MoTE). It aims to strengthen the country’s multi-hazard early warning system (MHEWS) by modernising meteorological infrastructure, enhancing risk governance, and improving inclusive communication systems. The project will upgrade Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and radar networks, revamp digital platforms (Moosun App and MMS website), and build national capacities for impact-based forecasting (IBF). These investments will ensure that early warning information is timely, actionable, and accessible to all Maldivians, particularly those in vulnerable and remote islands. 

BACKGROUND  

The Maldives’ extreme exposure to climate-induced hazards (including storm surges, coastal flooding and extended dry periods) threatens lives, livelihoods, and national infrastructure. Despite commitments to the Sendai Framework and the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, the country’s early warning coverage remains limited due to outdated meteorological equipment, fragmented coordination, and insufficient local communication. The project directly responds to these gaps by enhancing MMS capacity, upgrading observation systems, and improving community-level access to real-time, multilingual, gender-responsive alerts. It contributes to SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while operationalising UNSDCF Outcome 3 and CPD Outcomes 2.1, 2.2, and 3.1. 

PROJECT OUTCOMES 

  1. Upgraded meteorological observation systems: Installation and operationalisation of 30 AWS, an upgraded Doppler radar in the Greater Malé Region, and 10 pilot meteorological instruments to improve national forecasting accuracy.

  2. Improved accessibility and inclusivity of early warnings: Revamped Moosun app and MMS website, development of gender-responsive, disability-inclusive communication materials, and multilingual digital alerts targeting over 435,000 residents.

  3. Enhanced national capacity and governance: Capacity-building for MMS and government stakeholders on IBF and MHEWS and drafting of a Meteorological Bill to institutionalise operational independence and cost-recovery mechanisms.

  4. Strengthened South–South Cooperation and sustainability: Exchange of technical expertise with other SIDS, introduction of cost-recovery mechanisms for MMS operations (e.g., aviation and ports), and establishment of long-term maintenance and after-sales support systems. 

GEWE / GESI COMPONENT 

Gender equality and social inclusion are mainstreamed across all outputs. The project prioritises gender-responsive communication and disability-inclusive design in all public-facing platforms and awareness materials. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are key participants in disaster preparedness training and consultation processes. Community engagement ensures that local women leaders and councils play a central role in disseminating early warning messages and building local trust in the MHEWS. 

 

Download Grievance Redress Mechanism for  CIDCA - Tailored Intelligence for  Actionable Early Warning Systems-  Maldives (01004367)
Annex 1 - Grievance Redress Registering and Monitoring Form