Goal / Impact(s): The critical biological resources in Maabaidhoo Koaru (wetland and mangroves) are protected and thereby support climate change adaptation and long-term resilient development of Maabaidhoo, Laamu Atoll Project Objective / Outcome(s): Outcome 1: Community and stakeholder involvement and participation in sustainable management of Maabaidhoo Koaru (wetland and mangroves) Outcome 2: Sustainable management of the Koaru (wetland and mangrove) and restoration of the biodiversity and ecosystems Results / Outputs: Output 1.1: Stakeholder collaboration enhanced Output 1.2: A management system for the Koaru is developed Output 1.3: Community awareness is raised and community participation enhanced Output 2.1: Koaru area cleaned and protected

This project will inform the public on the importance of the wetland/mangrove ecosystem and raise public awareness.Establishing a well functioning Project Management Unit will be the first step in creating conditions for stakeholders involvement in support of the objectives of the project. A Koaru Management Board will be established to coordinate all activities relevant to sustainable management and conservation. The Board will advise the project on how to better enhance the integrated and participatory management of ecosystems. Relevant stakeholders including government agencies interested in conservation, management and sustainable use, fisheries, local businesses, and NGOs, will be identified in order to optimize the consultation process. This project will undertake measures to prevent degradation of the ecosystem and protection of the ecosystem. Measures will be implemented to restore species such as mud crabs, prawns, sea cucumbers, and different fish species. Priority will be given to make the Koaru an attraction for visitors and to generate income. The project will introduce new and additional livelihood and income earning opportunities for the community. Women's Development Committee will lead the project.

The project aims to build the capacity of the general public and the teams through a series of training and workshops, study tour and information exchange sessions.

# Implementing partners Roles & responsibilities 01 Womens Development Committee WDC will have overall responsibility for decision making and implementation of the project. 02 Maabaidhoo Island Council Island Council will be responsible for all land allocation decisions and overall guidance and direction for the wetland conservation 03 Project Management Unit A Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established within Maabaidhoo Island Council Secretariat to handle all project management activities and achievement of its objectives. The PMU staff will be responsible for daily project management, procurement and financial management 04 Maabaidhoo Koaru Management Board A community based Maabaidhoo Koaru Management Board with a clear governance structure will be established to oversee the nursery, tree planting, clean up, and implementation of livelihood and income generation activities

Island Council NGOs UN in the Maldives