Training in anticipatory action for national-level stakeholders in the Maldives

At a sensitization workshop on anticipatory action in the Maldives, representatives from 11 government ministries worked with private-sector and humanitarian partners to discuss which components of this approach already exist in the country. They also identified additional entry points for establishing anticipatory action within the national system for disaster risk management (DRM), with a session dedicated to institutionalizing anticipatory action via its integration into laws and policies; this was delivered by the IFRC Disaster Law team.

Held in Male, Maldives, from 1 to 2 December, the methods used included peer learning, with participants hearing from the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society about how to kick-start anticipatory action in a country, and how to establish a coordinated national mechanism for this approach.

There were also interactive sessions, and through one of these the participants established a draft plan of action for the country, which sets out the concrete steps that need to be taken. These include ways to integrate potential anticipatory actions into the activities of the country’s DRM Technical Working Group in the future. 

Drawing inspiration from Maldivian traditions

Hidhana Latheef, also known as Hidha, was present at the workshop. She has devoted herself to reviving and preserving Kasabu Gethun, a Maldivian artform has been practiced for over 400 years, with its origins rooted in the cultural and artistic heritage of the islands.

It involve the meticulous art of hand-braiding metallic, silk and cotton threads into intricate ribbons using bobbins (Foali) and a cushion placed on a wooden stand, known as Gathaa Fai. The ribbons are then handstitched to create the distinctive and elegant neckline of the Dhivehi Libaas, the traditional Maldivian dress. 

Over two days, Hidha produced a customized artwork which reflected the workshop’s theme of ‘weaving’ anticipatory action into the national DRM context. Picking up on the concept of threads that get stronger the more interlinked they are, the participants discussed how the threads of disaster management – risk reduction, preparedness, response and anticipatory action – can benefit from each other via strengthened connections.