Enhance Climate Resiliency and Water Security in the Maldives Project Quarterly Performance Report

The project aims to demonstrate processes and outcomes that enable Maldives island communities to mitigate global climate change impacts. Assistance is provided to the Government of the Maldives, primarily through the Ministry of Housing and Environment (MHE), as well as island councils, provincial utilities, and residents of Hinnavaru and Shidhdhoo, which are targeted to become "climate resilient islands" with USAID support. The project focuses on building central and local capacity for long-term and adaptive planning, as well as enhancing the capacity of island residents, local governments, provincial utilities, and national ministries. This is achieved through a range of assessments, including assessments of climate vulnerability, utility service delivery, and social and community development. The project team is led by Chemonics International Inc. and includes subcontractors CH2M Hill, Riyan Pte., and Live and Learn Environmental. The project's technical activities are divided into four tasks: Assessment, Design, and Mobilization; Institutional Strengthening; Enhancing Community Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes; and Service Delivery and Technological Innovation. Task 1 involves conducting assessments to inform activities under Tasks 2-4. These assessments include climate vulnerability and utility service delivery assessments, which are being implemented jointly by CH2M Hill and Riyan Pte. The social and community development assessment was scheduled to begin in January 2012, but was delayed due to issues associated with executing the subcontract with Live and Learn. The project team has made significant progress during the quarter, with all activities on schedule. Challenges were encountered in establishing a program in a new country and building relationships with unfamiliar partners. However, these issues were quickly resolved, and the project is now moving forward with implementation. The team has established a project office within MHE, hired local staff, and obtained the necessary permits to operate in the Maldives. The project has also produced key start-up deliverables, including the project work plan, the Branding and Marking Plan, and the Performance Monitoring Plan. The project's quarterly performance report highlights the progress made during the period from October to December 2011. The report provides an overview of the project's activities, including its technical components, program support, and financial performance. The report also includes annexes, including a project team organizational chart and a PMP (Performance Monitoring Plan) progress reporting table. The project's objective is to demonstrate processes and outcomes that enable Maldives island communities to mitigate global climate change impacts. The project's technical activities are designed to build central and local capacity for long-term and adaptive planning, as well as enhance the capacity of island residents, local governments, provincial utilities, and national ministries. The project's progress during the quarter has been significant, with all activities on schedule. However, challenges were encountered in establishing a program in a new country and building relationships with unfamiliar partners.