Workshop on Climate and Water Security in the Maldives
Date and Venue: September 13, 2015 at the Maldives National University
Picture Gallery
FECT and MNU organized a one day workshop in Male’ on the 13th of September 2015 at the Auditorium of Maldives National University on climate and water security in the Maldives. The goal of this workshop is to bring were to: –
- Together expertise on climate and water.
- To review the state of knowledge, and to identify research priorities and educational needs.
Welcome Speech, Dr. Shazla Mohamed, The Dean, Faculty of Science, MNU Introduction and aims of the programme
Presentation on background and goals of the Workshop by Dr. Lareef Zubair, Principal Scientist, Foundation for Environment, Climate and Technology.
A talk on Water security in Maldives by Mr.Abdul Matheen- Minister of State for Environment and Energy
Presentation by-Ms. Nihani Riza, (USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives.), The USAID PEER program
A fascinating review of water resources management programs in the Maldives over the last 40 years by Mr.Mohamed Rasheed
The presentations focused on sustainability of water resource management, climate and water resources linkages, climate monitoring and predictions for water management, the Climate Advisory for Maldives, and lessons learned from ongoing programmes and projects.
The workshop was introduced by the Dean of Faculty of Science of MNU, Dr.Shazla Mohamed. She was followed by Dr. Lareef Zubair Principal Scientist from FECT who described the background and goals of the workshop. The Minister of State for Environment and Energy, Mr. Abdul Matheen Mohamed argued that there is an immediate need to focus on infrastructure and services rather than focus on the threats of climate change, as the former is what people wanted.
Details of USAID’s work in Maldives related to environment and ongoing PEER project was provided by Ms. Nihani Riza, (USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives).
The posters and flyers done by the FECT in regard to the projects being implemented in Maldives was introduced by By Ms. Zeenas Yahiya (FECT). There was a poster session alongside the workshop.
In the technical sessions: –
- Mohamed Rasheed (Male’ Water and Sewerage Company): Provided a fascinating review of water resources management programs in the Maldives over the last 40 years.
- Zahid (Maldives Meteorological Services): Provided a comprehensive review of climate analysis for Maldives as needed for water resources management.
- Mohamed Rasheed Bari (Water Care) reviewed successes and failures of past projects on Water Resources Management.
- Prabodha Agalawatte (FECT): The Monthly Climate Advisory from FECT/MMS/IRI: Monitoring Weather and Climate for Maldives.
- Lareef Zubair (FECT): Climate Science for the Maldives in Relation to Water Scarcity.
- Zameela Ahmed of Chemonics International and Mr. Mustapha from UNOPS: described the lessons learn from the ongoing projects funded by the USAID, on Enhancing Climate and water resiliency in Maldives.
- Mizna Mohamed briefly reviewed the ongoing work and the goals of the Maldives National University in regards to Climate and Water Resources.
The turnout of the workshop was around 75 participants. Among the attendees were participants from Ministry of Environment, Maldivian Red Crescent, Maldives National Disaster Management Center, UNDP Maldives, Ministry of Health, CDE consulting, IUCN, Marine Research Centre, FENAKA Corporation, LaMER, Water Solution, USAID, Blue Peace, Renewable Energy, Students from University and Secondary Schools.
The workshop ended with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Mizna (MNU) followed by questions from the participants. The panel consisted of Mr. Mohamed Rasheed, Dr. Lareef Zubair, Dr. Zahid, Mr. Rasheed Bari, and Mr. Mohamed Mustapha of Environment Protection Agency, Ministry of Environment and Energy. The topics that arose during discussion were aspects of water resources planning in the Maldives, the desirability of use of plastic bottled water, and the relative role of climate, infrastructure and practices in managing water resources to meet present and future needs of people.
Agenda
08:30 Registration
Opening Session
9:10 – 9:15 Recitation of Quran
09:15-9:20 Opening Welcome Speech, Dr. Shazla Mohamed, The Dean, Faculty of Science, MNU
Introduction and aims of the programme.
09.20-09:30 Background and Goals of Workshop
Dr. Lareef Zubair, Principal Scientist, Foundation for Environment, Climate and Technology.
09:30 -09:40 Mr.Abdul Matheen, Minister of State for Environment and Energy, Ministry of Environment and Energy.
09:40-09:50 Ms. Nihani Riza, (USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives.), The USAID PEER program
09:50-09:55 Ms. Zeenas Yahiya, Researcher/Manager (FECT) – Introduction to the Posters and Flyers
POSTER VIEWING SESSION AND REFRESHMENTS
10:00-10.30 Mr. Mohamed Rasheed (MWSC)
A history of water use in the Maldives and Lessons for Sustainability
10:30-11:10 Dr. Zahid (MMS)
Climate and Water Scarcity in the Maldives Islands.
11.10-12:15 Mr.Mohamed Rasheed Bari, Chair of Water Care
Water Safety and Security.
12:20- 13:40 LUNCH AND POSTER VIEWING SESSION
13:40-14:15 Ms. Zameela Ahamed, Deputy Chief of Party (Maldives GCC Project)
Lessons Learnt from USAID GCC Climate Resiliency and Water Security Project.
• Chemonics International
• Representative from UNOPS
14:15-14:30 Mr. Prabodha Agalawatte (FECT)
The Monthly Climate Advisory from FECT/MMS/IRI: Monitoring Weather and Climate
for Maldives.
14:30- 15:00 Dr. Lareef Zubair (FECT)
Climate Science for the Maldives in Relation to Water Scarcity.
15:00-15:10 Dr.Mizna Mohamed (MNU)
Water related Agenda at the University.
15:10-15:40 Panel Comprising of Speakers and others
Moderator – Dr. Mizna Mohamed.
Panel – Rasheed Bari Mohamed (Water Care), Mustapha (Ministry of Environment), Zahid (MMS), Lareef Zubair (FECT), Mohamed Rasheed (MWSC).
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