The Maldives, a poster child country for the global climate movement, is one of the most vulnerable countries to the ill effects of climate change. On average lying just 1.5 meters above mean sea level, the
Maldives is vulnerable to rising sea level and coastal flooding. In recent years the Maldives has received significant amount of funds, in the form of grants and loans from various international donors and organizations, to aid the country in its efforts to combat the negative effects of climate change.
Between 2011-2013 it is estimated that the Maldives spent USD 2.87 million from its national budget for various climate adaptation and mitigation activities. A further USD 168.17 million is committed for various adaptation and mitigation activities through externally funded grants and loans for the period 2011-2017.3
The large amount of funds coming into the country for climate change mitigation and adaptation poses questions on the governance mechanisms established to safeguard climate funds for its intended purpose. How effective are the anti corruption safeguards in the country in monitoring the use of climate funds? How inclusive and transparent is the decision making process of climate funds? How does the government approve and prioritize areas for climate change projects?
Through Transparency Maldives’ Climate Finance Integrity Program, it is hoped that these questions on transparency, accountability, integrity and inclusivity of climate funds would be addressed through advocacy and awareness-raising, and by engaging the public in the discourse.
Read TM’s position paper on Climate Finance Governance in Maldives in English and Dhivehi.