Social Audit

Project Overview

The pilot study for the social audit was conducted in Fuvahmulah City, focusing on the project to establish an Eco-Facility in Fuvahmulah under the Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP), which is funded through a World Bank grant. The project was developed with the objective of protecting and sustainably utilising the island’s natural mangrove ecosystem while creating opportunities for tourism and local economic development.

The Eco-Facility is intended to support the conservation of the mangrove while providing visitors with opportunities to experience and appreciate the natural environment. By promoting the mangrove as a tourism attraction, the project aims to increase the visibility of Fuvahmulah as a destination, attract more visitors, and create potential economic opportunities for the local community and businesses.

Key Findings

• The Ministry of Environment and Energy carried out quality assurance procedures and maintained communication with the contracting company throughout the project.
• The project commenced later than originally scheduled, primarily due to adverse weather conditions and changes to the project scope and design.
• The delay was not adequately communicated to the residents of Fuvahmulah, which contributed to public dissatisfaction, particularly among residents who frequently visit and use the mangrove area.
• Public awareness of the Eco-Facility project was limited. Notably, 33% of the respondents surveyed lived near the project site but were still unaware of the project.
• According to the City Mayor, the public was invited to an information session regarding the project; however, only a limited number of residents attended.
• The City Council’s involvement was primarily limited to the initial phase of the project, with limited involvement in subsequent stages.
• Limited engagement with the public and the City Council affected their expectations and confidence in the project. Due to their limited involvement throughout the project, both groups expressed relatively low expectations regarding the project’s potential outcomes.

Full Report

އިކޯ-ފެސިލިޓީ ޤާއިމްކުރުމުގެ މަޝްރޫޢުގެ އިޖުތިމާޢީ އޮޑިޓް ރިޕޯޓް – ފުވައްމުލަކު ސިޓީ - އެންޓި-ކޮރަޕްޝަން ކޮމިޝަން