With the rapid development of the tourism and fisheries sectors, the Maldives has enjoyed a long\u00a0period of robust economic growth. The average rate for real GDP increase between 2000 and 2009\u00a0has been 6%, which is one of the highest in Asia. Multiple developmental projects, categorized as\u00a0climate mitigation and adaptation projects, are announced each year from harbour construction and\u00a0land reclamation to housing, water and sanitation.<\/p>\n
However, this development comes at a cost. This governance update will highlight the issues and\u00a0costs of undertaking developmental projects without long term considerations of climate change\u00a0mitigation and adaptation.<\/p>\n
As Margareta Wahlstrom, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction stated,\u00a0\u201cClimate change is treated as a disaster but it is a very fundamental development issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
The majority of the aforementioned projects are in the form of loans and grants from various\u00a0international donors and organizations, worth millions of dollars, to aid the country in its efforts to\u00a0combat the negative effects of climate change.<\/p>\n
We will also be touching upon the importance of community consultation and participation when\u00a0implementing developmental projects and the negative consequences of failing to do so.<\/p>\n