Maldives News Bulletin Volume 104

Date: August 01, 2024 | Volume: 104

Maldives to increase rangers for protected areas

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has announced plans to increase the number of rangers responsible for managing protected areas in the Maldives. He made the announcement during a special event commemorating World Rangers Day. Speaking at the event, Minister Thoriq highlighted that only a few number of rangers are protecting the large, protected areas of the Maldives. He also emphasised the crucial role these rangers play, noting their dedication and hard work. Additionally, Minister Thoriq pointed out that rangers spend extensive hours maintaining the protected areas and play a significant role in promoting tourism by ensuring that the natural beauty of the Maldives can be enjoyed by tourists without causing harm. He committed to training more rangers to enhance the management of these areas. He also said that efforts are underway to protect more areas in the future. Currently, the Maldives has over 90 protected areas, with six managed under specific plans. These areas include Vandhoo island in Raa Atoll, the Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, Gaadhoo island in Laamu Atoll, Fuvahmulah Biosphere Reserve, and Addu Biosphere Reserve. Some of these are designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The Goverment had previously announced plans to create a nature park in each atoll and increase the number of protected areas. The Ministry had reported that they have called on Councils for proposals for nature parks and will be evaluating the proposals recieved. World Rangers Day is celebrated annually on July 31, with this year’s theme being 30X30.

Maldives, India discuss elevating tourism between the two nations

The Maldives and India have engaged in discussions to enhance tourist arrivals from India and to strengthen bilateral relations. The discussions were held between the Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, India’s Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Minister of Culture and Minister of Tourism of India. The meetings were held during Minister Faisal’s official visit to India. In an interview with PSM News, Minister Faisal revealed that the primary focus of the discussions was to boost tourist arrivals to the Maldives and to attract investments to further develop the tourism sector. The discussions also covered providing training and scholarships in tourism-related fields and expanding flight operations by introducing more airlines from India. Additionally, the minister advocated for increasing the frequency of scheduled flights by existing airlines operating between the Maldives and India. The Welcome India roadshow commenced in New Delhi on July 30 and will continue in Mumbai on August 1, concluding in Bangalore on August 3. The event is designed to enhance the Maldives’ profile as a premier vacation destination for Indian travelers through activities in these three major cities. The high-profile event will gather key industry stakeholders from both nations, offering a platform to foster new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and showcase the exceptional beauty and diversity of the Maldives. The roadshow has seen participation from 150 tourism-related organisations. Minister Faisal expressed optimism about the anticipated increase in Indian tourists, attributing it to the government’s ongoing promotional efforts. He also disclosed plans to conduct more promotional activities in India to further advertise the Maldives. India is a vital source market for the Maldives, with over 70,000 tourists from India visting the Maldives last year. India was the leading source of tourist arrivals to the Maldives last year and is currently among the top six countries contributing to tourist arrivals. The roadshow intends to capitalise on this growing demand and solidify the position of the Maldives as a top-ofmind destination for Indian travellers.

Nominations for this year’s President’s Award for Special Achievement open today

Today, the Special Awards Committee opened nominations for the ‘President’s Award for Special Achievement’ and published the award criteria in the Government Gazette. Applications for nominations for the “President’s Award for Special Achievement” will only be accepted via the designated portal, “Form Hushahelhun” on the President’s Office website : (http://apply.presidency.gov.mv ) The nominations will be open until Monday, September 16, 2024. The President confers the award to individuals whose exceptional skills and performance are a source of national pride and who have made substantial contributions to national progress. The award features four categories this year. The first category is dedicated to individuals who have attained a Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) level 10 qualification for publication of research in an international journal, and those who have completed qualifications between MQA levels 7 and 9 at the highest standard and attained the highest grade for a research project or dissertation.

The second category is dedicated to individuals who have excelled or achieved the highest rank in an international competition or exhibition. The third category is dedicated to innovative and enterprising individuals who have presented practical resolutions or outstanding solutions by conducting academic research on critical national challenges. The fourth category is dedicated to exceptional creativity and innovation that enhance national development. Youths between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible for the awards. The Special Awards Committee advises all applicants to adhere to the guidelines for document submission during the application process. Applicants are reminded to have their certificates attested by a lawyer certified by the Bar Council of the Maldives. This year, the President’s Award for Special Achievement will be conferred during an official celebration commemorating the Republic Day of Maldives.

Zakat Fund aids 648 people within 6 months

The Maldives Zakat House has disclosed that it aided 648 individuals from the Zakat Fund over the past six months, with a total expenditure of USD 1.02 million.

The majority of the financial assistance was allocated for medical treatment. Specifically, USD 966,277 was spent on medical care, including USD 110,246 for cancer treatment, USD 17,509 for heart operations, USD 11,673 for kidney disease treatments, and USD 30,479 for brain surgeries. Additionally, the fund covered USD 648,508 for bone marrow transplants, USD 12,970 for other transplants, USD 10,376 for skin burn treatments, and USD 6,485 for pneumonia.

Furthermore, the Zakat House provided funds of USD1,942 as essential aid for vulnerable groups and USD31,430 for individuals with special needs. This includes aid provided to teach sign language courses as well.

Despite the collection and distribution of Zakat was previously done by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, it is now the responsibility of the Maldives Zakat House. The Zakat House was established with the recommendation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and was inaugurated in January 2024.

Minister Muhthalib assures no ongoing projects will halt

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdullah Muhthalib has assured that no ongoing projects will be halted. In a post on X, Minister Muhthalib said that no ongoing projects will be halted. Rather, he said, the Government has prioritised on what projects to continue, with the Government taking the decision not to start any brand-new projects. This decision, he added, was made as there was no budget allocation made for such brand new projects in this year’s budget. This year’s running budget was drawn up by the previous administration. While the current administration’s opinions were sought out, much of the estimated budget allotments had not been made in the budget. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had also expressed his concerns over this practice, citing that this puts a damper on the first year of any administration.

Community broadcasting to begin this year

President of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) Mariyam Waheeda has announced that community broadcasting services will be launched this year. Speaking to PSM News, Waheeda said that MBC has already engaged with several local island councils to initiate community broadcasting. She also highlighted the keen interest of the councils in this service.

Additionally, Waheeda revealed that discussions have taken place with four islands in Baa Atoll and four in Lhaviyani Atoll regarding the establishment of community broadcasting services. As such, she said that agreements have been signed with the councils of four of these islands, and the necessary rules and regulations have been finalised. Furthermore, Waheeda said that MBC aims to launch community broadcasting services in at least one island this year, despite budget constraints delaying the project. She also emphasised that these services will provide economic, political, and social benefits to the communities. MBC also shared information about community broadcasting with the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions.

Vice President of MBC Mohamed Fazeen informed the committee that the commission lacks the funds to establish community broadcasting services. They added that MBC will seek to raise funds by engaging with foreign investors. In 2020, MBC conducted a community broadcasting pilot programme in Dhuvaafaru island in Raa Atoll, which yielded satisfactory results. Community broadcasting involves operating a television or radio channel at the island level, facilitating the dissemination of local news, announcements, and information from government agencies and associations. The Broadcasting Act in the Maldives defines community broadcasting and allows for the issuance of permanent licences for up to three years.

Programme to enhance children’s rights to begin in 10 islands

A special programme aimed at protecting the rights of children has commenced in ten islands nationwide. The programme will be conducted with the support of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). A forum is being held for the councils of these islands to discuss the programme’s guidelines. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the forum, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the LGA Dr. Mariyam Zulfa stated the programme purports to protect the rights of children and brighten their future, under the sustainable development framework of the UNICEF. During the ceremony, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar underscored the significant assistance and support of UNICEF to develop the skills of the youth and to ensure the provision of quality education to children. The minister expressed confidence that establishing Teachers Learning Centres in the atolls will yield positive results and emphasised the programme’s importance in fostering a strong generation through current policies.

Meanwhile, the UNICEF Representative to the Maldives Dr. Edward Addai stated that the primary objective of the programme is to assist the Maldives in drafting policies required to achieve the goals of the programme. He affirmed that this would also assist in implementing the decentralisation policy effectively. The programme will address eight key areas: enhancing the educational sector, skills development, increasing co-curricular activities, ensuring proper health and wellbeing, improving mental wellness, raising public awareness about the roles of parents, families, and society, and promoting environmental awareness and climate change resilience. The two-day programme will shed light on the guidelines of the programme, and will be attended by 35 participants. The attendees include local counsellors, officials, and staff from relevant organisations and the Local Government Authority (LGA).

Permanent solution to Addu electricity problems can be achieved in two years: FENAKA

The electricity provider to Addu Atoll FENAKA has revealed that it would take two years of consistent work to find a permanent solution to the electricity issues in the City. Speaking in a press conference, Managing Director Muaz Mohamed Rasheed said that Addu electricity issues will be solved once the Chinese contractors DEC Company have completed their work. This, he said, would take around two years.

MD Muaz also said the issues to Addu City power grid were mainly attributed to poor maintenance of the 18 generators in the City. He added that the corporation was addressing these issues, by prioritising the repair and maintenance of the generators, seeking quality spare parts, increasing the generation capacity and replacing the damaged generators. Once the DEC contractors have completed their work, then, he said, much of the issues plaguing Addu City’s energy grid would be resolved.

Xiamen Airlines launches scheduled flights to the Maldives

Xiamen Airlines has launched scheduled flights between Xiamen, China, and Velana International Airport. This move follows the airline’s introduction of charter services in February 2024, marking an advancement in its expansion into the Maldivian market. The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 787-8, landed at Velana International Airport at 06:05 pm local time. Starting 3rd August 2024, Xiamen Airlines will offer three weekly flights with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, each featuring 169 seats. The airlines will fly to the Maldives three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This new schedule is set to elevate the airline’s presence in the Maldives and expand travel options for passengers. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), said, “We are delighted to welcome Xiamen Airlines’ scheduled flights at Velana International Airport. This new service, following their charter flights, supports our broader efforts to improve global connectivity and aligns with the government’s target of welcoming 2 million tourists this year.”

Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), commented, “The scheduled flights from Xiamen Airlines to Maldives mark a pivotal moment in the growth and development of the Maldives as a global tourism destination. Earlier this year, Visit Maldives celebrated the arrival of the first direct flight from Fujian province, China by Xiamen Airlines, flight MF801. We anticipate these new flights to significantly increase tourist arrivals from China, contributing to the Maldivian economy and creating new opportunities for the tourism industry.”

Xiamen Airlines joins Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Chongqing Airlines in operating flights to the Maldives. The introduction of these scheduled flights is expected to further enhance connectivity between China and the Maldives.

China is already one of the top segments for the Maldives, with the arrivals increasing every year.

Maldivian seeks pilots for the new A330 airbus planes

National carrier operator Island Aviation Services (IAS) have begun recruitment of pilots and first officers for their latest addition to their fleet. The carrier announced the addition of A330- 200 airbuses on the 26th of July. In a post on X, IAS announced that the company was seeking pilots and first officers and that the deadline for applications was 7th August. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had pledged to add in a widebody aircraft to the national carrier. The announcement for a craft hire was first made in December, with the company announcing their plans to rent a 406-seater plane. Another purchase request for a Boeing 787-8 dreamliner was made in January, followed by a purchase order for an A-319 or an A-320 made in May.