The Government of Maldives has prioritized the strengthening of early warning systems and systematic observation networks as part of its climate adaptation strategies, outlined in national documents such as the Nationally Determined Contributions and the First Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC.
In line with this vision, the Maldives was selected among the first 30 countries to receive support under the United Nations Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. This has opened a pathway for Maldives to participate in the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), which supports compliance with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) requirements of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The SOFF-funded UNEP Investment Phase Project in Maldives is implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and executed by the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The project is designed to close critical observational data gaps, strengthen MMS’s institutional and human capacities, and ensure that observational data is shared in line with WMO standards, including through the WIS 2.0 platform. Project activities include upgrading four existing surface-based stations, installing one new surface station in N.Maafaru, and upgrading one upper-air station; strengthening ICT systems; drafting an organizational strategy and gender policy for MMS; engaging stakeholders; and conducting extensive technical training. The project benefits from the support of a peer advisor—the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)—and a technical partner, the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES).
The Inception Workshop marks the formal launch of the SOFF Investment Phase Project in the Maldives. This event aims to convene national stakeholders, international partners, and technical collaborators to align on the project's objectives, present and endorse the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Project Steering Committee, clarify roles and responsibilities, and discuss planned activities. The workshop will also serve as a platform for technical discussions on the project workplan, key next steps, timeline, and operational matters, fostering a shared understanding and coordination among all stakeholders involv
ed.