The Maldives is Building a Floating City

The Maldives is creating a floating city to combat the effects of climate change. As the sea level rises, this island nation is finding innovative ways to stay above water. Therefore, Dutch Docklands, an engineering firm, is developing an eco-friendly floating city.

For over a decade, the firm has worked alongside the Maldives government to develop the project. According to their plans, the city will be set in a lagoon 10 minutes away from the Maldivian capital of Malé. Thousands of waterfront residences and services will float along a flexible, functional grid across the lagoon.

The Maldives is threatened by the consequences of climate change. Therefore, the project is extremely important for its future. Set in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the lowest-lying nation in the world. Over 80% of the country’s land area is less than one meter above sea level. Hence, they must fight the menacing increase in sea levels and coastal erosion.

Fueled by tourism, the Maldives’ economy could be benefited from this development. The hexagonal building segments will captivate visitors and are inspired by the popular corals of the region. This project could draw in people from around the world, improving tourism in the area.

Additionally, coral structures will be built around the neighborhoods to attract sea life and protect the island from storms. A school and hospital will also be included, and the city will be powered by a renewable energy grid.

Based on the current scheme, construction will begin in 2022 and last five years. The price for the first sea-front units is expected to be around $250,000. Both Maldives residents and foreign investors will have the opportunity to acquire the units.

The floating city wishes to merge itself with its surroundings and be as environmentally friendly as possible. Its design was inspired by local corals.

Bibliography'

Corbley, A. (2021, June 8) To Respond to Rising Sea Levels, the Maldives is Building a Floating City. Good News Network. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/maldives-floating-city-will-help-the-nation-respond-to-climate-change/

Dive (n.d.) Maldives Floating City Planned to Combat Sea Level Rise. Dive. http://divemagazine.co.uk/travel/9363-maldives-floating-city-set-to-begin-construction

Marchant, N. (2021, May 19) Threatened by rising sea levels, the Maldives is building a floating city. World economic forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/05/maldives-floating-city-climate-change/

Nasheed, M. (2021, March 15) [NO TITLE] [Photograph] Twitter. https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1371349915025076226

Ozdemir, D. (2021, April 28) World’s First Floating City to Save Maldives From Rising Sea Levels [Photograph] Interesting Engineering. https://interestingengineering.com/worlds-first-floating-city-to-save-maldives-from-rising-sea-levels