Climate Smart Resort Pilot Project
Establishing climate-resilient, climate-aware resort environments through weather intelligence, climate literacy, capacity building, and awareness
Background and Rationale
Tourism is the lifeblood of the Maldivian economy, yet the sector remains highly exposed to climate variability. Increasing intensity of monsoon rainfall, shifting sea-surface temperatures, and the growing influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events all affect day-to-day resort operations, guest safety, and the surrounding island communities that depend on tourism income.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) and the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) have an established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint programming in early warning and community preparedness. This pilot is designed to operationalize that partnership at the resort level translating meteorological science into practical, visible, and engaging tools for guests, staff, and nearby communities alike.
Why a resort-based weather station?
Many resorts already have informal “weather observation” displays - a favourite being the humorous coconut weather station: “Coconut Moving = Windy. Coconut Still = Calm. Coconut Wet = Rainy. Coconut White = Snow. Coconut Invisible = Fog. Coconut Gone = Hurricane.” While charming and guest-friendly, these reflect a missed opportunity. An Automatic Weather Station (AWS) at the same location can deliver real, scientifically accurate, and equally engaging weather information — contributing to national observation networks while becoming a centerpiece for climate awareness and education for guests, nearby schoolchildren, and local communities.
Project Goal
To establish a climate-resilient and climate-aware resort environment through the installation of an Automatic Weather Station and the delivery of targeted awareness, education, and youth empowerment activities jointly led by MRC and MMS under the National Early Warning for All (EW4All) framework. This pilot will serve as a proof-of-concept model for scaling to additional resort partners in subsequent phases.
Project Components
Establishment of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) at location
A scientifically accurate AWS installed to MMS specifications — monitoring real-time weather parameters including temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, pressure, and UV index. Data contributes to the national MMS observation network and the WMO Global Basic Observing Network, while feeding a dedicated display within the resort.
Climate Awareness Display
A purpose-designed interpretive exhibit accessible to guests and visitors translating live weather data into plain-language insights relevant to resort activities. with a nod to the coconut weather station it replaces.
Staff Climate Literacy & Awareness
A tailored awareness session for resort staff covering the Maldives climate system, reading and interpreting AWS data, climate change impacts on reefs and coastal conditions, heat and UV risk communication, and the role of early warning systems
Nearby Community & School Outreach
At least one outreach session for students or community members from the nearest inhabited island extending the benefit of the investment beyond the resort to the local community
Youth Climate Camp
A three-day residential youth camp hosted at or adjacent to the resort bringing together young people from nearby islands to learn climate literacy, climate risk communication, peer education, and community action planning
Value for partner resorts
A Climate-Smart Resort partnership with MRC delivers measurable value, from real-time weather intelligence and trained staff and a strengthened relationship with the surrounding island community. Your resort gains operational tools, your staff gain knowledge, and the communities around you gain resilience.
A functioning, scientifically accurate Automatic Weather Station contributing to national and global weather data networks.
A distinctive, guest-facing climate awareness exhibit that transforms informal weather observation into a genuine educational and brand experience.
Staff who understand climate risk, guest safety communication, and how to use real-time weather intelligence in day-to-day operations.
Strengthened relationship with the surrounding island community built on shared knowledge and shared resilience.
Host a Youth Climate Camp that positions the resort as a champion of climate education and youth empowerment in the Maldives.
How the partnership works
This is a co-partnership between MRC, the Maldives Meteorological Service, and one resort partner.
Maldivian Red Crescent
leads the project - managing delivery, facilitation, youth camp coordination, community outreach, and overall Programme stewardship.
Maldives Meteorological Service
provides the scientific foundation, AWS specifications, quality assurance, data integration into the national network, and biannual maintenance visits.
The resort partner
hosts the project — funding the AWS procurement and display installation, providing the platform for staff training and community outreach, and supporting the youth camp
Get in touch To learn more or express interest, contact our Programmes and Services team.
Ibrahim Shameel, Manager - Programmes & Services
ibrahim.shameel@redcrescent.org.mv | programsandservices@redcrescent.org.mv
General enquiries: info@redcrescent.org.mv · 📞 +960 334 1009