Event Report: International Seminar - Sea Level Rise and Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of Hulhumalé and Migration Policies

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation organized and conducted, in collaboration with Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan (GIF Japan), The Maldives National University (MNU) and the Maldives Housing Development Corporation (HDC), this seminar addressing the climate change adaptation strategies being undertaken in the Maldives through the reclamation of artificial islands, and also shed light on the evolving nature of migration in the Maldives, covering both traditional and climate-related causes.

Alongside a group of roughly 65 interested researchers, professionals and students, H.E. Rumiko Ishigami, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Maldives, and Mr. Ali Shareef, Special Envoy for Climate Change of the Republic of Maldives, were in attendance.

The discussion throughout the seminar yielded several fruitful “key learnings”, covering a wide spectrum of topics from Japan-Maldives collaboration to continued sustainable development. These included:
 

• The importance of continued co-operation to build climate resilience – this was illustrated through the success of the Japan-Maldives relationship and the value of the Maldives’ example as a leading country in climate adaptation.

• Addressing the “pull and push factors” on internal migration in the Maldives – emphasizing the need to work to improve life satisfaction both in the atolls and also of migrants to the Greater Male region, and preserving the cultural importance of “islandness”.

• Being aware of the growing possibility of climate-induced, involuntary migration – thereby, taking steps to maximize integration and reestablishment for those affected.

• Continuing to develop an integrated and holistic approach to adaptation – recognizing the need to bridge hard engineering with sustainable, nature-friendly alternatives.

He developed on this distinction further by explaining the options available to such migrants. Those seeking to “move” could move either to a nearby island country or alternatively seek to relocate further afield to the developed world. Those seeking to “stay” could choose domestic relocation, primarily between artificial islands and floating living platforms that compensated for the dwindling living space. He addressed the preference of Marshallese migrants to seek opportunities in the developed world and balanced it with findings that such migration also entailed the greatest social challenges, owing to the difficulty of adapting and integrating.
 

He also noted, however, that such measures ultimately must also account for the social aspects of migration and adaptation. Especially, he developed the idea of “islandness” as part of the Maldives’ unique cultural identity, and the generational, institutional and cognitive inconsistencies that accompany an inevitable shift toward population consolidation and resettlement. He concluded by stressing the need for greater research and evidence-based decision making.

Migrants from the capital, Male, moved to Hulhumale primarily in pursuit of more affordable/available housing, while migrants from the atolls sought better outcomes in issues like job security, education and healthcare. This had consequences for their satisfaction post-migration. Male migrants reported higher satisfaction and evinced strong intentions to settle permanently in Hulhumale, while atoll migrants experienced lower levels of satisfaction as a result of unmet expectations.

Mr. Aslam explained the policy implications of these results, calling for improved housing and living conditions in Hulhumale and in the atolls, to close the gap between lived reality and expectations.

Similarly to the results presented by Mr. Aslam, the study revealed that the most highly rated “pull” factors were those pertaining to the quality of education, opportunity and public services. Largely, these were also seen to be the aspects of life appreciated by residents of Hulhumale. However, some notable inconsistences bore further reflection. High salaries were rated as a strong pull factor but were simultaneously among the least appreciated aspects of life in Hulhumale, evincing a growing cost-of-living issue.

Further, residents in Hulhumale, despite having opted for a more urban lifestyle, continued to appreciate the natural beauty of their local area, reflecting the importance of planned and sustainable development. These findings illustrated the nuanced picture of migration trends in the Maldives.

This seminar and associated research were funded by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, KAKENHI grant number 24K03174, and Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan. The organizers express their sincere appreciation for their generous support.