Vulnerability to disaster in the Maldives: The Maamigili and Fenfushi Island communities

Abstract

The relation between vulnerability and environmental threats in islands depends on the geographical conditions of specific islands rather than general assumptions. It is assumed that different island communities may develop different socio-environmental dynamics depending on the ordinary everyday context, which would determine their resilience to real and perceived risks. This research provides data on communities’ perception of their vulnerability to environmental issues, with the objective of understanding the sense of vulnerability of two neighbouring island communities in the Maldives: Maamigili and Fenfushi. The research is based on qualitative and quantitative methods which include semi-structured interviews with national and local entities, and questionnaires distributed among island inhabitants. The study shows that although the islands are located in very similar geographical settings, the socio-environment dynamics within each of the islands determines the communities’ sense of vulnerability. The communities of Maamigili and Fenfushi face different situations and, as such, general assumptions would not address the gaps and needs of communities of specific islands. Even if two islands are relatively close and similar to each other, they still require separate Disaster Risk Reduction strategies so as to address the real and perceived short- and long-term vulnerabilities of the locals as a means to build more resilient communities.