Activities
ESCAPE Project
Grant signing
The agreement under the Climate Adaptation Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was signed on 5th June 2023. The grant period is from 5th June 2023 to 4th December 2024.
5th June, 2023
Guesthouse Survey
The first component of the ESCAPE project, the guesthouse survey, focused on understanding the current situation regarding climate risks faced by guesthouses in the Maldives. SIGS conducted a survey of over 100 guesthouses from 17th August to 14th September 2023.
Guesthouses were surveyed both physically and virtually through an online questionnaire made using Google forms. The survey was administered in both English and Dhivehi, depending on the participant. In-person interviews or phone surveys were conducted, and participants were also given the option to self-administer the survey.
The survey was conducted physically in the following 10 islands: K. Himmafushi, K. Hulhumalé, K. Huraa, K. Gulhi, K. Guraidhoo, K. Maafushi, K. Thulusdhoo, V. Fulidhoo, V. Keyodhoo, and V. Thinadhoo.
117 guesthouses were surveyed, and 114 survey responses were included in the data analysis.
August 2023
Practitioners Engagement Workshop
The workshop was held to discuss the findings of our guesthouse survey. The event also provided an opportunity for SIGS to create a network of technical experts that can provide information regarding climate resilient guesthouse design and development in the Maldives.
The workshop was attended by members of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology (MoECCT), Ministry of Tourism (MoT), architects, designers, engineers, and the ESCAPE project's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
During the event, SIGS presented the findings of the guesthouse survey. Afterwards, engaging discussions were held with the participants which shed light on information crucial to the future direction of the ESCAPE project.
3rd October, 2023
Seminar at MNU Business School
A seminar was held to share our guesthouse survey findings with the public. The SIGS team introduced our NGO and the ESCAPE project.
The key components of the ESCAPE project was introduced, and the first component (guesthouse survey) was highlighted. The survey findings were discussed and presented, after which a question and answer session was held with the participants.
The seminar allowed us to share with the public the urgent need for climate resilient guesthouse design in Maldives. Participants provided SIGS with important feedback for our data analysis, and similarly provided useful information for the next steps of the ESCAPE project.
1st November, 2023
Sustainable Tourism Forum 2023
We participated and presented at the Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF) held by the International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM) in December 2023.
The forum focused on challenges faced in the tourism industry such as sustainability issues and social aspects. It provided a platform for local communities, tourism organizations, NGOs, and academics to discuss feasible solutions to these challenges.
SIGS presented findings from our ESCAPE, HOME, and other relevant projects. We also collaborated with other participants in workshops to discuss how to foster sustainable economic prosperity through the tourism industry.
11th - 12th December, 2023
BuildExpo
BuildExpo is an exhibition regarding the construction industry of the Maldives, organized by the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI).
SIGS collaborated with graduates from the Maldives National University (MNU) to showcase the findings of the ESCAPE project's second component: innovation learning. SIGS operated a stall where visitors were introduced to the ESCAPE project, and briefed about the climate resilient design responses that we identified in our innovation learning component.
Presentation boards were used in the stall to display information focusing on climate resilient technologies, techniques, and materials. Topics such as building foundation, insulation, passive cooling, and building orientation were presented. The presentation boards included findings from traditional methods used in the Maldives, modern practices used both locally and globally, as well as emerging climate resilient design technology. A 3D model of a climate resilient design rendered by a MNU student was also presented in the stall. The model included sustainability aspects as well as cost saving design features.
11th - 15th January, 2024
Engagement with students from Maldives National University
SIGS has been engaging with students from the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology to develop the design prototypes for Climate Resilient Guesthouses. The architectural students are designing these guesthouses as a part of their final year coursework.
We have also been engaging with students from the MNU Business School to develop the Cost-Benefit Analysis. The outcomes of this component will be exhibited to the public later in 2024.
April, 2024 - Ongoing
Signing of Agreement with Architecture Assosication Maldives (AAM)
SIGS signed an agreement with the Architecture Association Maldives in July 2024.
SIGS and AAM will be collaborating on developing recommendations for Climate-Resilient Guesthouses and collaborating on dissemination activities to share information on Climate-Resilient design with relevant stakeholders including architects and guesthouse developers.
July, 2024 - Ongoing