The Strengthening Preparedness and Resilience through Inclusive Community Governance in the Maldives (SPRING) program has advanced efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in the Maldives. Working in collaboration with the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and with support from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), the program successfully conducted Hazard, Vulnerability, and Capacity Assessment (HVCA) workshops in target island communities across the Maldives. The implementation of the SPRING program has been made possible through the generous support of USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).

Between May and July 2023, representatives from MRC and NDMA have facilitated workshops in Finey (Haa Dhaalu Atoll), Komandoo (Shaviyani Atoll), Kendhoo (Baa Atoll), Maalhos (Baa Atoll), Dhiffushi (Kaafu Atoll), and Dhevvadhoo (Gaafu Alifu Atoll). These workshops aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through inclusive community governance, all while addressing the intensifying impacts of climate change.

The outcome of the workshops were the creation of Island Disaster Management Plans (IDMPs), which underwent a rigorous validation process through community consultations. These consultations not only facilitated the gathering of crucial local knowledge but also fostered greater collaboration among the community, participants, MRC, and NDMA.

At the heart of the SPRING program is a primary objective to strengthen community preparedness and resilience through inclusive community governance and active stakeholder engagement. The program focuses on empowering local stakeholders, such as MRC, local councils, and community-based organizations, through capacity development, partnerships, awareness campaigns, and knowledge sharing. By building self-reliance at the community level, SPRING aims to enable communities across the Maldives to effectively mitigate and prepare for disasters. 

For more information about the SPRING program download the brochure  here