Noonu Natrally > Roadmaps > plans > Natural Resources Conservation (LDP-3)

Reimagine resources and land use plans to ensure equitable and sustainable utilization

Embark on a comprehensive process to reimagine resource and land use plans, fostering sustainability and equitable access for all. Begin with visioning exercises and active engagement with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and environmental groups.  Conduct a thorough data analysis to assess the atoll's current resource distribution and identify areas for improvement.  Utilize this data to model different scenarios and evaluate potential long-term impacts of various land-use strategies. Informed by these analyses, develop new policies and land-use plans that prioritize sustainability and equitable utilization of resources. Finally, oversee the implementation of these plans and closely monitor their effectiveness to ensure they continue to serve the needs of island communities.
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Chronology

Leading Team

Sustainability Team

13. Climate Action

1.7 Natural Resources Distribution

#natureconservation

1

Visioning and Stakeholder Engagement

Seek funding from government grants, environmental organizations, or international aid agencies. Identify local expertise and partners who can contribute data, technology, and manpower. Convene a visioning workshop to identify specific natural resources of interest, desired level of detail for mapping and survey, and brainstorm future scenarios for resource and land use. Encourage bold and innovative ideas while ensuring alignment with environmental sustainability and cultural values. Define core values for the reimagined resource and land use plan, such as equity, intergenerational fairness, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. These principles will guide decision-making throughout the process. Engage Atoll Council members, island communities, government agencies, resource users (e. g., fishermen, farmers), and NGOs throughout the process to ensure diverse perspectives and local knowledge are integrated. Conduct community-led mapping activities to identify existing resource utilization patterns, land use practices, and areas with potential for sustainable development.
2

Data Analysis and Needs Assessment

Gather baseline data on resource availability, land use patterns, environmental factors, socio-economic conditions, and cultural practices. Conduct additional surveys or research if necessary to fill data gaps. Conduct participatory mapping exercises with island communities to identify resource boundaries, usage patterns, and specific points of interest. Assess the current levels and methods of resource extraction, consumption, and trade within the atoll. Identify potential resource conflicts, overexploitation, and areas of vulnerability. Analyze existing land use patterns and identify opportunities for optimizing land allocation for agriculture, housing, infrastructure, conservation, and other essential needs while minimizing environmental impact.
3

Scenario Development and Modeling

Develop potential scenarios for reimagined resource and land use based on the visioning workshop, guiding principles, and data analysis. These scenarios can vary in terms of development focus, resource management strategies, and community engagement models. Utilize GIS tools to model the spatial distribution of resources, land use changes, and potential impacts of different scenarios. Evaluate the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits associated with each scenario to prioritize and select the most sustainable and equitable options for implementation.
4

Policy and Plan Development

Formulate clear and enforceable policies based on the chosen scenario and guiding principles. These policies should address issues like resource allocation quotas, protected areas, sustainable practices, and community resource governance. Create a detailed plan that integrates resource management and land use strategies with other key sectors like infrastructure, housing, education, and healthcare. Ensure the plan is aligned with national environmental goals and regulations. Integrate traditional knowledge and customary practices of island communities into the reimagining process to ensure cultural continuity and respect for local wisdom. Consider the potential impacts of climate change on resource availability and land use patterns, and incorporate strategies to build resilience and adapt to future challenges. Share the draft policies and development plan with stakeholders for review and feedback. Incorporate their suggestions and concerns to ensure the final plan is widely accepted and supported.
5

Implementation and Monitoring

Implement the reimagined resource and land use plan in phases, prioritizing key interventions and ensuring resources are available for effective execution. Provide training and support to Atoll Council members, government officials, and communities on implementing the plan, including resource management practices, participatory monitoring, and sustainable land use techniques. Establish a robust system for monitoring the progress of the plan, tracking resource utilization trends, and evaluating its effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. Regularly assess and adapt the plan based on monitoring data and feedback.

Points of Discussion

38.4 Kudafari Council Proposal for Post-LUP Development Planning Consultancy Assistance

Proposal
Kudafari Island Council seeks consultancy assistance from Noonu Atoll Council for post-LUP development planning. The proposed consultancy will be divided into two components: Monthly Retainer and Design Development. The Monthly Retainer component will involve assessing LUP allocations, establishing priorities, and developing Technical Design Briefs. Deliverables will include an inception evaluation report, Technical Design Brief, and monthly reports. For selected projects, the Design Development component will provide detailed design development drawings and documentation, including architectural and structural detail design, tender assistance, and post-tender consultancy. Deliverables will include Schematic Design, Design Development 1, Tender, and Post-tender consultancy. The estimated total cost of the project is MVR 270,000, with Kudafari Council contributing MVR 165,000, Noonu Atoll Council contributing MVR 50,000, and Noonu Atoll Company contributing MVR 55,000 in-kind.
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Decision
Council hereby approves the Kudafari Island Council's request for consultancy assistance in post-LUP development planning. The consultancy is divided into two components: Monthly Retainer and Design Development. The Monthly Retainer component involves assessing LUP allocations, establishing priorities, and developing Technical Design Briefs. Deliverables includes inception evaluation report, Technical Design Brief, and monthly reports. For selected projects, the Design Development component provides detailed design development drawings and documentation, including architectural and structural detail design, tender assistance, and post-tender consultancy. Deliverables include Schematic Design, Design Development, Tender, and Post-tender consultancy. The Council allocates MVR 35,000 from the 2024 budget to support Kudafari Island Council's MVR 185,000 contribution to the project, bringing total contribution to MVR 235,000. The remaining MVR 50,000 will be requested to be covered by an in-kind contribution from the Noonu Atoll Company. The Council directs the relevant departments to coordinate with Kudafari Island Council to finalize the consultancy agreement and to hand over project implementation to Noonu Atoll Company.
Introduced by

Ali Shameem Mohamed

kudafari Island Council President

In Favour
8
Opposed
0
More details

38.3 Call for the Repeal of the Land-Use Planning and Management Act and Urban Planning Bill: A Threat to Decentralization

Proposal
Strongly oppose the recent passage of the Land-Use Planning and Management Act and Urban Planning Bill, which we believe undermines the principles of decentralization. The Act centralizes decision-making power, depriving communities of their ability to plan and manage their own resources. The consultation process for the Act was flawed, and the government failed to consider the input of local councils, technical experts, and other stakeholders. The Act grants excessive power to the government, allowing it to override the authority of local councils and control the use of Maldives land and natural resources without public participation. We demand that the government reconsider the Act and bill revise it to align with the principles of decentralization, transparency, and accountability.
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Decision
Noonu Atoll Council strongly opposes the recent passage of the Land-Use Planning and Management Act and Urban Planning Bill, which undermine the principles of decentralization. The Act centralizes decision-making power, depriving Maldives island communities of their ability to plan and manage their own resources. The consultation process for the Act is flawed, and the parliament failed to consider the input of local councils, technical experts, and other stakeholders. The Act grants excessive power to the central government, allowing it to override the authority of local island councils and control the use of the land and natural resources without public participation. The Council demands that the government and parliament reconsider the Act and bill and revise them to align with the principles of decentralization, transparency, and accountability.
Introduced by

Mohamed Rauf

kendhikulhudhoo Island Council President

In Favour
8
Opposed
0
More details

37.2 Proposed Implementation of WCACA Project Partner Agreement with Land Sea Maldives

Proposal
Proposes signing an implementation partner agreement with Land Sea Maldives to collaborate on the Women-Led Collective Advocacy for Climate Action project, funded by USAID. The project aims to promote climate adaptation, gender-equitable land rights, sustainable land management, and disaster risk reduction within Noonu Atoll communities. Land Sea Maldives will implement the project, with a budget of MVR 400,000.00. All payments and procurements will be managed by Land Sea Maldives. The Council is requested to review and approve the proposed implementation partner agreement.
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Decision
Approved the proposed implementation partner agreement with Land Sea Maldives for the Women-Led Collective Advocacy for Climate Action project. The Council directed relevant departments and company to collaborate with Land Sea Maldives to ensure alignment of the project with the Redefine Noonu Binaaveshi project. The Council authorizes the Noonu Atoll Company to associate with Land Sea Maldives for the project's implementation, recognizing its alignment with the broader goals of the Redefine Noonu Binaaveshi project and its contribution to the atoll's development efforts.
Introduced by

Mohamed Basheer

President of Noonu Atoll Council | 2021-Now

In Favour
13
Opposed
0
More details

37.1 Reimagine Noonu Binaaveshi (PC-003) Project Proposal

Proposal
The Noonu Atoll Company proposes a comprehensive project to reimagine land use in the atoll, prioritizing sustainability, equity, and community participation. The project will involve community engagement, data analysis, scenario modeling, and policy development. The Company is requesting MVR 1,400,000.00 in council funding and seeks authorization to raise an additional MVR 3,761,250.00 from other sources. The Council is asked to approve the project proposal and authorize the funding request.
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This task is in the Council Decision list - General plan.
Decision
The Council approved the Reimagine Noonu Binaaveshi project proposal and allocated MVR 1,000,000.00 from the 2024 budget as a capital injection. The Council also authorized the Noonu Atoll Company to seek additional funding to bridge the funding gap, including leveraging existing commitments from Land Sea Maldives through USAID and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Additionally, the Council acknowledged the Noonu Atoll Company's in-kind contribution of MVR 1,000,000.00 to the project. The Council directs the Corporate Department and Technical Services Department to formulate an agreement with the Noonu Atoll Company to proceed with the fund injection for project implementation, ensuring strict adherence to the approved proposal and budget.
Introduced by

Mohamed Adnan

maafaru Island Council President

In Favour
13
Opposed
0
More details

36.1. Regional Integrated Sustainability Initiative (RISI): Fostering Resilient Communities in Noonu Atoll

Proposal
Noonu Atoll Council places an utmost importance on preserving and utilising the natural resources in a manner that would benefit the current and future generations. Ensuring sustainability necessitates re-evaluating the land-use plans and providing equal opportunities for everyone. To make this possible, the public, businesses and relevant organisations, including those addressing environmental issue, must communicate and work together.
A comprehensive statistical analysis must be conducted to evaluate the current distribution of resources in both habituated and uninhabited islands, to identify and address the areas that need improvement.
This analysis must be used to determine the long-run impact of different land-use projects and multiple comprehensive models can be used to present this data. The findings from these investigations need to be used by the council to establish policies that prioritise sustainable and balanced use of resources, including a unique Atoll Land-use Plan.
Necessary actions to enforce these policies must be taken by the Atoll Council, while closely monitoring how these plans can realise benefits for the general public. It is proposed to appoint Land Sea Maldives as the project as an implementation partner and responsible agent for grant from CFLI and sign an agreement as such.
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Decision
Agreement shall be signed with Land Sea Maldives to execute this project with the financial aid from Canada fund. The Atoll Council decides to entrust the Atoll Company with the technical works and implementation of the project along with Land Sea Maldives. The Planning Unit of the Council shall continue to monitor the project and the persons involved in the implementation of the project shall provide up-to-date information to the unit. The Planning and Development Unit shall continue to seek and negotiate the cooperation of the relevant government agencies and councils for this project.
Introduced by

Mohamed Basheer

President of Noonu Atoll Council | 2021-Now

In Favour
9
Opposed
1
More details

34.1 Presenting and discussing Noonu Atoll Development Plan with President of Maldives

Proposal
The meeting is a crucial milestone for the atoll, offering a platform to highlight its development plans and garner support from the highest governmental authority. During the event, a comprehensive overview of the following development policies and key strategies will be presented: strengthening local governance, preserving natural resources, fostering a circular economy, empowering micro-enterprises, and building resilient communities.
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Decision
After reviewing the presentation and discussing the key points, council will initiate direct communication with the appropriate line ministries to work together and move forward on these matters.
Introduced by

Mohamed Basheer

President of Noonu Atoll Council | 2021-Now

In Favour
9
Opposed
0
More details

Progress

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