The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has signed a contract with Nippon Koei Co., Ltd to provide consulting services for the implementation of coastal conservation measures under the Building Climate Resilient Safer Islands in the Maldives project. 

The project is being jointly implemented by the Government of Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and JICA. It aims to establish long-term solutions to protect communities and infrastructure from coastal disasters. Civil works will be carried out on four islands identified as priority areas such as Addu City Meedhoo, Laamu Fonadhoo, Laamu Gan, and Laamu Isdhoo.

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative focuses on policy and capacity-building components, including the development of a national coastal protection policy, preparation of island-level protection plans, and creation of a data collection system for long-term monitoring and maintenance. According to the ministry, preliminary designs for erosion control on the four islands have already been completed, while a draft national policy has been reviewed by key stakeholders.

Under the new contract, Nippon Koei will finalise detailed designs, conduct environmental impact assessments (EIA), support procurement processes, supervise civil works, and train ministry staff in technical areas. State Minister Abdulla Ziyad, who signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry, said detailed designs are expected to be completed within six months, with construction expected to begin next year once contractors are selected.