UK architect Foster + Partners has designed a masterplan to protect an island in the Maldives against the threat of global warming.
The low-lying isle of Gaafaru is already feeling the effects of climate change and rising sea levels, which has put half its land in danger of flooding over the next 50 years.
The masterplan was commissioned by the Maldives Fund Management Corporation, and it contains six principles to ensure the island has a sustainable future. These are:
- Adapting to rising sea levels with environmental protection zones based with native plantin. Land will be reclaimed and built up to decrease the risk of flooding for 100 years.
- Dredging will be regulated and the amount of land reclaimed will be reduced by 45%. Seventy per cent of reclaimed land will be given over to marine and terrestrial habitats for native planting.
- A protected area will preserve habitats and species. A marine institute will provide education for visitors and locals and encourage tourism.
- The masterplan includes a tourism project that will include private islands and luxury resorts to boost the island’s economy. Modular units will be built for energy and food production
- The masterplan contains a mobility network to connect local areas with new resorts. Additional parks will be located on floating platforms.
- In an effort to reduce the island’s reliance on imports, all fruit and vegetables will be produced through local farming, hydroponics and greenhouses on floating platforms. Energy will be generated through photovoltaics and passive design will reduce energy consumption by 30%. Grey and black water will be collected, treated and reused on site.
Tony Miki, a partner Foster + Partners, said: “Our masterplan seeks to embed resilience into the built fabric for the next hundred years, providing ecological protection, social equity and preserving Maldivian cultural heritage.”
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I’d like to see how attracting more humans to the area will be managed in terms of ecological impact.