Co-Task Team Leaders from the World Bank, Mr. Jerome Bezzina (Sr. Digital Development Specialist and Ms. Anna Metz (Sr. Digital Development Specialist) and Siew Sanz Ng (Young Professional) from the World Bank met with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MoTE), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS), the Fuvahmulah City Council and the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT).

Ms. Rayya Hussain (Environment Analyst, Environment Management and Conservation Department), Mr. Ahmed Shan (Senior Surveyor, Environment Management and Conservation Department), Ms. Fathimath Nashwa / Assistant Director, Climate Change Department, Mr. Ahmed Masoon (Programme Officer, Climate Change Department), Ms. Hazlee Hameed (Program Officer, Water and Sanitation Department), Aishath Nafua (Environment Research Officer, Water and Sanitation Department). From the Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Yoosuf Rilwan (Director, Environment Research and Conservation) participated in the meeting. The MMS was represented by             Mr. Ahmed Rasheed (Director, Program Research and Advocacy) and Mr. Ibrahim Humaid (Seismologist). Mr. Ismail Rafeeq (Mayor) and Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim (Director) represented the Fuvahmulah Council. Hany Naseer (Senior Software Engineer) joined from the NCIT.

Dr Waheed started the meeting by highlighting the completed capacity building program that was conducted with the assistance of the World Bank DRM through a trust fund connected to the establishment of the Multi-Hazard Early Warning pilot program underway in Fuvahmulah City by the D’MADD project. He then updated the participants on the progress of the pilot. He highlighted that compiling the specific data of Fuvahmulah required for the MHEW system is a challenge. These include socioeconomic and demographic data, along with meteorological data. The Mayor, Mr. Ismail Rafeeg, also weighed in on the issue and assured that he is actively engaged in obtaining the data from relevant authorities. Dr. Waheed briefed on the work done with the World Bank DRM team to obtain additional funds through the trust to establish a control centre; however, it did not yield any success because it is not covered in the scope of the trust fund. However, once completed, it will have an active control room with limited infrastructure established within the city council and will share data with relevant authorities. The system will also provide a mobile app for the public.

The World Bank discussed institutional communication strategies with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and the pilot is increasing its visibility among the neighbouring nations. Their disaster risk management teams are interested in the pilot's outcomes.

The Maldives Meteorological Service highlighted the additional observation systems planned for the island, which can complement the early warning system. They also briefed on the RIMES project by them, which is similar in nature. Dr. Waheed emphasized on collaboration and avoiding duplication of resources. Dr. Waheed also clarified a question on the support beyond the project. The current cost includes a 3-year licensing and support period after the pilot completion, provided by the consultant. This was discussed and agreed upon to ensure the continuity and maintenance until the government can take over.

The discussion then moved on to the Passive Acoustics Monitoring pilot. The EPA team briefed on the current situation and expressed their satisfaction with the pilot. The EPA team, along with the Maldives Marine Research Institute, Maldives University, and members of civil society, were being trained to use the technology.

Dr. Waheed also briefed on the final pilot of using Fluid Lensing technology. The pilot is experiencing external challenges. These challenges include international trade tariffs, weather and permits. The mission team from the World Bank highlighted that they will also investigate the matter with the Maldives Country office. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment inquired about the alternative if the pilot cannot proceed. The World Bank team highlighted that as long as the pilots use novel technologies, an alternative plan can be discussed.

The teams then discussed the update on the Data Platform for climate action, where the roadmap has already been developed, and the procurement stage is ready to begin for the consultancy component. The roadmap was developed by a trust fund established by the World Bank. Project Manager Dr Waheed explained the following steps and plans for the component. He also highlighted the hosting of the platform, whether it will be locally hosted at the National Data Centre or an alternative option.

The team from NCIT committed full support to host, based on the consultants’ requirements. The World Bank advised considering options that the hosting can be sustained beyond the project.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment highlighted that most of their 13-year data was lost during the major fire incident, and they have concerns about whether the data can be provided within the remaining two years of the D’MADD project. However, if the platform is a system that compiles and presents data, then there is no issue. The ministry had no concern about where the platform is hosted, as long as it has access. They also shared their previous experiences with similar projects that were not sustained after the project ended. Dr Waheed noted that he will address the Ministry’s concern about the limited data and work with the consultants and the Ministry to determine where and how the existing data can be obtained.

To conclude, Dr. Waheed provided an overview of how the pilot projects and data Platform for Climate Action, under component 3, closely aligned with one of the pillars of the Maldives 2.0, as sectoral technology and innovation were emphasised. The D’MADD project is also contributing to the broader view of the digitalisation of the Maldives, introducing pilot projects that involve the use of novel technologies and innovations, as well as climate resilience and environmental protection.