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

1. From larvae to livelihoods: restoring coral reefs in the Maldives

An exciting project which contributes to a five-year coral restoration program implemented by the Maldives Marine Research Institute. Funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CSIRO researchers have been working with local partners in the Maldives to develop larval-based #coralrestoration methods to assist with reef recovery.

2. Ocean Expedition to establish a Sea Turtle Health Database in the Maldives

Our friends at Olive Ridley Project together with Environmental Protection Agency of Maldives are conducting a #seaturtle research expedition in Kaafu, Lhaviyani, Baa, and North Ari atolls.?This study, a first of its kind in the Maldives, can be integrated and compared to larger regional studies to assess the distribution and the connectivity of hawksbill turtle populations and their habitats in the Western #indianocean. The data will ultimately support #conservation management of hawksbill turtles at local and regional levels.

2. Empowering Sustainability: Soneva Namoona and Baa Maalhos Council Join Hands for Water Filter Expo

The collaborative effort between Soneva Namoona and Baa Maalhos Council has brought many benefits to the #community of the island, one of our favourite islands in the atoll. The recent water filter expo, ‘Israafu Madhu Misraabu – Fen Edition’, raised awareness about the positive #environmental and health impacts of using #waterfilters and featured a dedicated session for local businesses in Maalhos, encouraging collaboration between water suppliers and the business community.

4. Kudafari Island Community Launches Bid for Power-Gated Pickup to Strengthen Waste Management Efforts

The community of Kudafari Island continue to drive forward with their #sustainable objectives! They have initiated a public procurement process for a 1.5-ton power-gated pickup—a vital asset in fortifying the island's waste collection system. Committed to fostering a robust #wastemanagement system, the community is resolute in nurturing a brighter, cleaner tomorrow for all.

5. Energising Sustainability: Battery Energy Storage Systems to Power 24 Maldivian Islands.

A significant step towards #sustainableenergy, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology has formulated an agreement for the construction of Battery Energy Storage Systems across 24 islands in the Maldives. The project aims to reinforce renewable energy integration and grid efficiency. The systems will be installed in multiple locations, not only enhancing the reliability and resilience of the energy supply but contributing to a greener Maldives. For those, like us, who have experienced a power outage on a local island this will be great news!

6. Empowering Diversity: MACL's Internship Program for Individuals with Disabilities

We were happy to learn that MACL had successfully concluded its #internship program for four students from Care Society, providing them valuable work experience at Velana Airport . This initiative underlines MACL's commitment to sustainable support for vulnerable members of the community. Experiences included administrative tasks, customer service, and staff support allowing the interns to gain practical skills and boost personal confidence.

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