GEF SGP Conserving Kelaa’s Kandoofa – Opening The Door To Nature For People With Disabilities
Objectives
- Develop an eco and historical tour designed for people with disabilities
- Develop a visitor centre at the RAF ruins with information boards
- Develop a handbook on making houses, roads, Cafe’, restaurants, government buildings and parks more accessible
- Install an accessibility bathroom in the Health Centre
- Install ramps to existing buildings - Health Centre, Council, Youth Centre & mosques
- Improve accessibility at harbor area and public ferries
Location:
Ha. Kelaa, MaldivesProject Type:
Environmental ActionDonor:
GEF SGP, via UNDPStatus:
OngoingCompletion:
October, 2021Project Outcomes
Safety
By installing accessibility bathrooms and ramps in key public areas, we hope to improve the safety of those who use the services.
Accessibility
The doors to nature must be open to all regardless of ability. We hope that this project brings everyone in Kelaa closer to nature.
Outreach
We hope this project can be a prototype and our learnings can be shared through a handbook for other councils and NGOs to use.
Conceptual Drawings
The Need
The Kelaa Kandoofaa has been declared as a protected area by the government of the Maldives. Kelaa has a long stretch of sandy beach which has become very popular among the locals and tourists. Thus, a disable friendly transport vessels and transport system is needed to provide accessibility for persons with disability to enjoy the natural beauty of the mangrove and the beach. This can be achieved by installing disable access to public ferry, harbor and providing designated vehicles to travel from harbor to Mangrove, RAF ruins and the beach. By developing a disabled access friendly buggy system between harbor and mangrove area can ensure the visitors from other islands can easily access the area. This will ensure equal opportunities for the people with disability to travel and enjoy the local culture, history and natural beauty of the island.
Currently, there is no disability access at existing public buildings, harbor and public ferries in Ha. Kelaa. At the moment, 29 people are registered as persons with disabilities and living in Kelaa. Additionally, there are a total of 153 people above age of 60 – 78 male and 76 females – living on the island. They have to travel to HA.Dhidhoo and HDh. Kulhudfushi for routine medical checkups. One of the main challenges they have faced is the lack of easy access from harbor to ferry boats. By installing wheelchair access ramps at harbor and public ferries we can make their lives easier.
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul
JOHN MUIR
