The REDEFINE project, "Redefining Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding: Empowering CSOs for Sustainable Peace in Sri Lanka and the Maldives," aims to bolster crisis preparedness within communities across selected Sri Lankan districts and Maldivian islands, respectively. The specific focus is strengthening the capacities of youth- and women-led civil society organizations and local actors to address the root causes of environmental, climate-induced, and natural resource-based conflicts.

With the financial support of over EUR 1.3 million, the project is funded by the European Union and implemented by Chrysalis (a Sri Lankan NGO as the main implementing partner) and SIGS - Small Geographic Island Society (a Maldivian NGO as the co-implementing partner)

“The European Union is committed to assisting Sri Lanka and the Maldives in achieving sustainable and inclusive development. The EU is pleased to support the work of Chrysalis and SIGS in building community resilience, and establishing multi-actor platforms to find sustainable solutions to environmental issues. Strengthening youth- and women-led activities will be a primary factor in enabling a sustainable pathway to innovative environmental conflict resolution strategies” – H.E Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union.

In the Maldives, the project will be implemented with island and city councils and ten CSOs, including Women's Development Committees in H Dh. Kulhudhuffushi City, L. Hithadhoo, K. Guraidhoo, and N. Kudafari. These islands face unique environmental conflicts linked to climate change and natural resource use. Growing pressure threaten island ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that rely on these resources.

“The Women's Development Committees can play a significant role in making a difference through capacity building in this project. The Council is looking forward to this project” –
Mr Hussain Yameen, President of Guraidhoo Island Council.

“The REDEFINE project is very aligned to the needs of the Maldives as well as the work SIGS is doing to empower local communities to manage their own local environments. As Maldivian islands are isolated, they all have unique environmental challenges. Partnerships between local governing bodies and civil society organizations are very important for local level governance. As such building capacities of CSOs in local islands is very important.” - Dr. Mizna Mohamed, Director of Science and Innovation, SIGS.

 “The Redefine Project provides a great opportunity to work with women and young people in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to address common and unique challenges in both countries and build solidarity between them and civil society organizations” -Ms. Ashika Gunasena, CEO, Chrysalis.

The three-year project officially launched on 20^th February 2025, in Malé, under the distinguished patronage of key officials from government Ministries, Local Government Authority, along with staff from the European Union and international organisations, island and city councils, INGOs, CSOs, SIGS and Chrysalis.