JICA Signs Grant Agreement for Vital Coastal and Drainage Improvements in Maldives
Tokyo, Japan & Malé, Maldives – September 9, 2025 – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is pleased to announce the signing of a Grant Agreement for a project aimed at enhancing coastal resilience and improving urban drainage systems in the Republic of Maldives. This significant initiative, officially announced today, underscores Japan’s continued commitment to supporting the Maldives in its efforts to address environmental challenges, combat climate change, and strengthen disaster preparedness.
The agreement, formalized on September 9, 2025, will facilitate crucial upgrades to the protective seawalls around the capital island of Malé, as well as the provision of essential rainwater drainage equipment. These improvements are expected to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the densely populated capital from the escalating threats posed by rising sea levels and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, which are exacerbated by climate change.
Malé, a vibrant economic and administrative center, is particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to its low-lying topography. The project’s focus on strengthening existing护岸 (goshine – seawalls/coastal protection structures) will provide a more robust defense against storm surges and high tides, thereby protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, the provision of advanced rainwater drainage machinery will significantly enhance the city’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall. This is a crucial component in mitigating the risks of urban flooding, which can disrupt daily life, damage infrastructure, and pose health hazards. By improving the efficiency of the drainage system, the project aims to create a more resilient and livable urban environment for the residents of Malé.
This project aligns directly with the Maldives’ national development priorities and its urgent need to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Japan, through JICA, has long been a trusted partner in the Maldives, providing technical and financial assistance across various sectors. This new grant agreement further solidifies that partnership, demonstrating a shared vision for a sustainable and secure future for the island nation.
The initiative represents a concrete step towards building a more climate-resilient Maldives, contributing not only to the safety and well-being of its citizens but also to the broader global efforts in environmental protection and disaster risk reduction. JICA expresses its sincere hope that this project will yield lasting positive impacts for the Republic of Maldives.
モルディブ向け無償資金協力贈与契約の締結：首都マレ島における護岸の改良及び雨水排水機材の整備等により、環境・気候変動対策と防災に貢献
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国際協力機構 published ‘モルディブ向け無償資金協力贈与契約の締結：首都マレ島における護岸の改良及び雨水排水機材の整備等により、環境・気候変動対策と防災に貢献’ at 2025-09-09 07:38. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.