A pivotal meeting was convened between the World Bank Mission team and the Maldives Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy (MoCCEE). This was the first meeting with the Ministry and the Project Co-Task team leaders since the governments new administration took place. The DMADD project was initially conceived under the Ministry when the technology mandate of the government was embedded within the organization.

Since then, the technology mandate has transitioned from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. Consequently, the Environment Department will serve as the focal point, representing the Ministry’s interests across multiple relevant beneficiary departments, ensuring a unified approach to environmental protection and technological advancement.

The meeting was graced by the presence of MoCCEE’s Minister, Mr. Ibrahim Thoriq; Ajwad Musthafa (Permanent Secretary); alongside key department directors Ms. Muhsina Abdul Rahman (Director - Protected Areas), Afsal Hussain (Director) representing the Water Department, Mr. Yoosuf Rilwan (Director - Environment Research and Conservation) from the Environmental Protection Agency, and Mr. Ahmed Rasheed (Director - Program Research and Advocacy) from the Maldives Meteorological Service.

The discourse centered on the transfer of knowledge and the enduring viability of the climate data platform, with a focus on computing power and post-project support. Mr. Jerome Bezzina, the Senior Digital Development Specialist, illuminated the ongoing partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) for capacity building and a study tour at the KAUST Red Sea Research Centre. Additionally, the collaboration with Salford University for an early warning pilot at Fuvahmulah Island was highlighted.

Afsal Hussain brought attention to the Ministry’s electronic library, seeking technical aid to operationalize it. Minister Thoriq underscored the significance of the data platform and strategized on harmonizing access to the diverse data accumulated across various organizations.