News stories from the local side of life that matter to us

1. Maldives' Plastic Bag Ban: Import Delayed to Jan 2024, Consumption Ban Set for June 2024

A presidential decree issued on Thursday confirms that the ban on importing and manufacturing of #plasticbags thinner than 50 microns will now commence on January 1, 2024, while their use will be prohibited from June 1, 2024. There has been a 2MVR tax on plastic bags since April, raising awareness and contributing to positive change.

2. From Beach to Farm | Prototyping seaweed-based fertilizers

Inspired by Baa Fulhadhoo community's strong ties to the ocean and #biodiversity , UNDP Maldives ' Accelerator Lab is co-creating innovative solutions for #FutureOfWork. Together with communities they are experimenting with seaweed fertilizers for #sustainablefarming. The seaweed fertilizer experiment combines indigenous knowledge and grassroots innovation and co-experimentation to create #CitizenScientists who will learn to make seaweed-based fertilizer & identify scalable solutions for the community.

3. Artistry of the Islands - Looking beyond the sea and sand to discover a rich heritage of arts and crafts in the Maldives

Recently, Kamey headed to Rinbudhoo to support Visit Maldives and CNN in the creation of an article focused on the culture of local islands.

'Visitors who delve deeper into the country’s islands will discover a different kind of treasure trove: artisan jewelry crafted by silver and gold smiths, ornate lacquerware forged by generational know-how, boats constructed by expert builders, street art painted by impassioned artists, and culinary bounties prepared by warmhearted home chefs.'

4. Island-hopping in the ‘real’ Maldives

An article written by a friend of ours has been featured on BBC Travel. It's encouraging to see increased coverage of local island travel opportunities, highlighting that the #maldives has a diverse range of holiday options. We also need to mention that it was great to see Fuvahmulah’s only female shark guide Hamna Hussain, whom we met at the Coral Festival, get a shout out!

5. Exploring the Economic Impact of Renewable Energy on the Maldives

In recent editions we have highlighted the move towards #renewableenergy , particularly solar panels within the Maldives. This article provides a good overview of the positive impact this will make both economically and environmentally.

6. Leading Fitness Group Brings Innovative Kids' Gym to Malé

This innovative is set to redefine how youngsters embrace physical activities and cultivate a health-conscious lifestyle from an early age. TfG's vision is to provide a dynamic and secure environment that nurtures health, fitness, social interaction, and #cognitivegrowth. The gym boasts premium amenities such as age-appropriate play zones, agility exercises, balance beams, trampolines, interactive games, and more. Led by qualified experts, the sessions cater to children from junior to eighth grade, encompassing not only physical fitness but also social interaction, coordination, endurance, and strength.

Thank you for taking the time to read our news round up, we hope it provided you an insight to our world.

The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story. - Michael Margolis