The Maldives Tsunami Ready Board has been established to oversee the implementation of the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP) introduced by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

The board has been formed as a sub-committee of the Disaster Management Steering Committee under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It comprises representatives from the NDMA, the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and the Maldives Red Crescent.

The NDMA will chair the Tsunami Ready Board, while the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works will serve as Vice-Chair.

According to the NDMA, the seven-member board is tasked with monitoring and coordinating the implementation of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme in the Maldives. Its responsibilities include ensuring compliance with UNESCO standards and facilitating the certification of islands and communities that meet the required criteria under the programme.

Key requirements for obtaining UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition include the establishment of disaster response and evacuation plans, training of emergency responders, effective early warning systems, and the public display of clear instructions on how to respond during disaster situations.

While the programme has been implemented in other countries specifically to address tsunami preparedness, the Maldives is adapting the initiative to raise awareness and strengthen preparedness for a broader range of disaster risks, in addition to tsunamis.

The first pilot project under the programme is currently being implemented in Kaafu Khulhudhuffushi, where efforts to secure UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition are already underway.

The NDMA stated that the initiative aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s target of achieving tsunami-ready recognition for all islands in the Maldives by 2030, describing the programme as an important step towards strengthening national disaster resilience and securing international recognition for the country’s preparedness efforts.