Maldives Leads Atoll Nations’ Dialogue on Climate Solutions

From April 22-24, the Republic of Maldives, as Chair of the Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC), will host its peer atoll nations in Bandos, Maldives, for a discussion focused on climate change, nature-based solutions, and food security.

Representatives from the five CANCC member countries — Kiribati, the Maldives, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tokelau, and Tuvalu — are participating in the second workshop for CANCC on adaptation, coming together to strengthen national responses to their unique climate change vulnerabilities and risks.

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The National Adaptation Plan Global Network supports the peer-learning event, focusing on how countries are building resilience to climate change through national adaptation plan (NAP) processes. All CANCC member nations have NAP processes underway at various stages of development.

“As vulnerable low-lying atoll nations, effective and timely adaptation is not optional for us; it is essential. National Adaptation Plans are one of the most strategic tools we have to guide our responses to climate challenges. And within these plans, nature-based solutions are increasingly gaining the recognition they deserve”, said Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, H.E. Ibrahim Mimrah, speaking on behalf of the Chair of CANCC, the Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives, H.E. Thoriq Ibrahim.

“This event marks a continuation of our shared journey of learning from one another, and our commitment to deepening collaboration among atoll nations. We are creating space for the voices and solutions of atoll nations to influence the global adaptation and resilience agenda,” said Minister of State H.E. Ibrahim Mimrah.

The goal of the workshop is to facilitate open and honest technical discussions from CANCC members on their NAP processes, with a focus on nature-based solutions and food security. The workshop also aims to encourage ongoing exchange between the governments of atoll nations and countries on the challenges and opportunities of climate change adaptation in their unique geographic contexts.

Under the Maldives’ chairmanship of the Coalition of Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC), a ‘Peer Learning Cohort on NAP Processes’ with a focus on nature-based solutions and food security for CANCC nations was opened today, with support from @NAP_Network pic.twitter.com/ygQdPpQ0MJ— Ministry of Tourism and Environment (@MoTmv) April 22, 2025

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, even under lower emission scenarios, sea-level rise will be unavoidable for low-lying islands. It has also long been recognised that islands on coral atolls are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with some experts arguing that the risk from climate-induced factors could even undermine the islands’ long-term viability and sovereignty.

“Every day, atoll nations and other Small Island Developing States are having to deal with the true extent of the damage caused by climate change,” said Dr. Orville Grey, Head of Secretariat for the NAP Global Network.

“But through national adaptation plan processes, countries can put adaptation at the heart of decision-making. Countries can drive coordination, set policy priorities, mobilise resources, allocate support, and track progress on achieving their adaptation goals. The NAP Global Network has been a longstanding partner and technical ally of CANCC countries in this work, and we’re honoured to be facilitating this event,” Grey said.

The NAP Global Network helps accelerate climate change adaptation efforts worldwide by supporting developing countries in advancing their National Adaptation Plans (NAP) processes.

Peer learning is a key pillar of the network’s support, with over 10 years of experience convening dynamic South-South events for open and honest conversations about what works and what doesn’t in NAP processes. This CANCC event is taking place with funding from Global Affairs Canada.