The Government of Japan and the Maldives has signed an MOU to start a disaster mitigation project, to be run with the US$380,000 provided as grant assistance from Japan and run as a UNDP program.
The agreement was signed on Thursday in Coast Guard building. Defense Minister Adam Shareef Adam and UNDP Resident Coordinator Shoko Noda signed the agreement on behalf of the respective agencies. The project is set to run for two years.
Under the program, systems will be placed to facilitate early warning systems, awareness and education and assist in climate change and environment programs run in the country.
Speaking in the ceremony, Noda noted the continued assistance by the Japanese Government in the environment protection and conservation program.
“The newly introduced tsunami alert reminded me of the pivotal role the seawall constructed around Male’ by Japan played in mitigating the effects of the 2004 Tsunami,” she said.
Shoko also noted the assistance provided by UN to the country and initiatives by National Disaster Management Center in mitigating damage from natural disasters.
“The timing for the project is most apt, as the Center is progressing towards becoming an Authority. UN assistance will delivered to this initiative,” she noted.
Japanese Embassy’s Charge d’affaires Shimizu Maharu also took part in the ceremony.
Japan, Maldives sings US$380,000 disaster mitigation project
