In the Maldives, climate change poses a significant threat to ecosystems, infrastructure, and livelihoods. To address these challenges, the government has initiated the Development of Adaptation Investment Pipeline for Maldives, to strengthen its capacity to access and manage climate finance. This initiative responds to the country’s request for support in preparing a pipeline of adaptation investment projects that can be presented to potential donors for funding. At the center of the effort is the vision to mobilize resources for the implementation of the Maldives’ NDC, focusing particularly on developing a portfolio of bankable project proposals aligned with national adaptation priorities.
Led by the Ministry of Environment and supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, the project emphasizes readiness, analysis, and prioritization. The initiative is funded by the NDC Partnership Action Fund (PAF), with a total budget of $306,000, supplemented by an additional $108,000 in co-financing. This two-year initiative is designed to build technical and institutional capacity within the Maldivian government to identify, prepare, and manage adaptation projects eligible for climate finance.
A key objective of the project is to improve the development and oversight of pipelines of adaptation projects that are both priority-aligned and investment-ready. The project supports the creation of a comprehensive adaptation sectors matrix, highlighting priority areas and existing execution gaps. Alongside this, the government is developing a structured adaptation investment plan and a set of concept notes aimed at potential donors and climate financing institutions. The initiative includes the preparation of detailed project documents, summaries, information notes, and monitoring and evaluation plans to ensure a well-rounded and implementable project pipeline.
An important feature of the project is its strong emphasis on capacity building and knowledge transfer. Six trainings are planned over the course of the project, focusing on areas such as climate finance access, proposal writing, project design, and resource mobilization. To promote local ownership and sustainability, Maldivian citizens have been recruited in consulting and analyst roles, allowing them to shadow the Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser (CNCFA). This approach not only supports immediate project delivery but also cultivates long-term national expertise in climate finance and adaptation planning.
To ensure strategic alignment and oversight, an advisory committee has been established to guide the development of the investment pipeline. This committee plays a key role in strengthening institutional coordination and decision-making, improving coherency and planning across sectors.
Ultimately, the project is expected to enhance the Maldives’ ability to manage a climate project portfolio, prepare compelling funding proposals, and engage effectively with donors. Through targeted capacity-building and the development of a structured pipeline of bankable adaptation projects, the Maldives is positioning itself to scale up its access to climate finance and implement its NDC in a more systematic and impactful manner.
Learn more about this project here.