Island Life 2019

JANUARY - DECEMBER 2019 | EDITION 4 | MALDIVES

THE GIRL WITH THE

Torn Umbrella Turn the page to find out what it represents…

Empowered lives.

Resilient nations.

A B OU T UNDP On the ground in about 170 countries and territories, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress.

UNDP has been in the Maldives for 40 years.

Over the decades, we have worked on poverty eradication, democratic governance and environment protection, including climate change mitigation and adaptation.

In all our work, we focus on ‘leaving no one behind’: We make concerted efforts to meet the needs of the most disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth. We remain committed to continue our work in the Maldives, for the people and the environment.

E DI TORIAL BOARD S HOK O N OD A UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR AND UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE

1190 ISLANDS IN THE MALDIVES ONLY

190 ISLANDS ARE INHABITED

BY MALDIVIANS

APPROXIMATELY

139

ISLANDS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED AS TOURIST RESORTS

APPROXIMATELY

501

GUESTHOUSES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED IN OVER 77 LOCAL ISLANDS

AMI N A T H I B R AH IM COMMUNICATION OFFICER S HA MH A N A S E E R IGP PROGRAMME ANALYST AMI N A T H H I D H A Y A T H PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATE N A SHE E T H T H O H A ASSISTANT RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE – PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND POLICY IS MA I L A SHWAD LAYOUT AND DESIGN F A T H MA T H A Z L EE N A ILLUSTRATIONS IN I T I A L D R A FT C O N T RIB UT IO N S MOHAMED AFRAH

GENERAL AND MEDIA INQUIRIES: registry.mv@undp.org ADDRESS: UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE MALDIVES, 4TH FLOOR, H. AAGE (BANK OF CEYLON BUILDING), BODUTHAKURUFAANU MAGU, MALE’ 20094, MALDIVES, PHONE: +960 3324501 FOLLOW US ON:

AS HWA FA HE E M / UN DP M A L DIV E S COVER PHOTO

www.mv.undp.org

UNDP MALDIVES

CONTENTS 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 46

TOGETHER WE CAN FLOURISH A LONG JOURNEY HOME : THE STORY OF PYGMY, THE TURTLE SAVING MALDIVES’ REEFS, CORAL BY CORAL LIVING WITH NATURE WHEN SEEING CHANGE, BECOMES HOPE LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONVERSATION! “FAILURE IS WHY I AM HERE” UNSINKABLE WITH HOPE IT SAILS UNITE FOR CLIMATE ACTION MAKE MY ISLAND MEET THE TEAM

The Girl with the Torn Umbrella The cover photo with ‘The Girl with the Torn Umbrella’ is based on the premise behind the short film ‘Kuda’ that was produced for the ‘Film for Change’ initiative (featured on page no. 27). The umbrella is intended to represent our world, and the wear and tear represents what happens to the world every time we do something damaging to it. However, while a broken umbrella can be fixed, it wouldn’t be as easy to fix the Earth. There is no Planet B. Let’s protect the one we have.

Photography by SVEN PEKS

KEY HIGHLIGHTS ‘Celebrating Maldives’ Rich Biodiversity’ NAP OLEAN W R AS S E

H AMMERHE A D S H AR K

L EMO N SHA RK

VAAVU ATOLL ALIFU ALIFU ATOLL

BAA ATOLL

B io s phe r e R e se r ve MANTA R AY

FAN COR AL

While this map depicts some of the popular biodiversity hot-spots of the Maldives, the flora and fauna represented here are not unique or necessarily native to these areas. Many of them are found across the Maldives.

ALIFU DHAALU ATOLL

W H I T E - T A I L E D TRO PIC B IRD

KAAFU ATOLL

LHAVIYANI ATOLL

NOONU ATOLL

RAA ATOLL

HAA DHAALU ATOLL

HAA ALIFU ATOLL

RE D MAN G R O V E PL AN T

SHAVIYANI ATOLL

NU D IBR ANC H

45 MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

MALDIVES HAS 7TH LARGEST CORAL REEF SYSTEM IN THE WORLD

FISHING, SAND AND CORAL MINING, AND LITTERING IS BANNED IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

2000+ CORAL REEF SYSTEMS 200+ SPECIES OF CORALS

BAA ATOLL OF MALDIVES IS A UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE

R OU D I ES COLAR

SEENU ATOLL

GAAFU DHAALU ATOLL

SK IPJ ACK TU NA

GNAVIYANI ATOLL

GAAFU ALIFU ATOLL

LAAMU ATOLL

SEA TURTL E

THAA ATOLL

DHAALU ATOLL

FAAFU ATOLL

MEEMU ATOLL

DOL P H I N

WH ITE TE R N

WHA L E SHA RK

FOREWORD

Shoko Noda UN R E SIDE NT CO O R DINATO R AND UN DP R E SIDE NT R E PR E SE NTATIVE IN THE MAL DIVE S

Welcome to the fourth edition of ISLAND LIFE It focuses on the importance of individual and collective action towards a more sustainable Maldives.

TO G E THE R ,

WE CAN FLOURISH I still remember seeing ‘Kumanomi’ for the first time on a dive in Japan. It was so beautiful. ‘Kumanomi’ in my language, or clownfish in English, usually live in warmer waters than the ocean around Tokyo, so I was lucky to spot one that day.

When I started to dive in the Maldives, I was thrilled to see clownfish everywhere, swaying within their sea anemones.

The clownfish in the Maldives is bright orange with a white stripe behind its eyes and black fins around its belly. I always look for this photogenic fish on my dives, though they love to play hide-and-seek in their sea anemone homes.

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“Here, life under water is life itself” Clownfish swimming in their sea anemone homes

Photography by SHOKO NODA

Bleached corals as seen on a dive by Shoko

Photography by SHOKO NODA

The attractive and charming clownfish are a popular pet, kept in aquariums across the world. I noticed them in many fish tanks in the Maldives too, and also being exported. Sadly, the clownfish are not caught in an environmentally-friendly manner, like other ornamental fish, and even bait fish for fishery.

Current extraction techniques of these fish from their underwater coral homes are harming populations and their natural habitats.

A healthy marine ecosystem is critical to everyday life for these idyllic communities, and the major industries dependent on it: tourism and fisheries.

The recent decline in fish catch shows how it can have lasting consequences for these small islands where everything is connected to the sea.

The Maldives is a delicate beauty. When I first came here, the fragility of the country was an abstract concept to me. It must be for many foreigners.

Having been based here for the past four years, I have come to realize how easily Maldives can become like a fish out of water, gasping without its source of life.

I have seen with my own eyes the consequences of environmentally-unfriendly human actions, as well Shoko is all for SDG 14: Life Below Water

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UNDP MALDIVES

Photography by SOENKE ZIESCHE

Beach erosion seen by Shoko on her travels to Laamu Atoll

as the grave threat that climate change is having on Maldives’ reefs. From the visibly declining fish populations, coral bleaching incidents on some of my favourite reef spots, and plastic caught on brittle corals – these world-famous turquoise waters can soon no longer be a sight to behold and an experience to relish. These events also impacts food supply and income of people. Damaged reefs can lead to losing the tourism value. Reduction in tourists can threaten livelihoods and the economy of the country.

The burden of responsibility does not lie with Maldivians alone. From afar, and even as visitors, what we all do may have direct or remote consequences on this tiny island nation. But I have hope.

In my travels around the Maldives, I have met many passionate individuals and groups, who are committed to making a difference. In Naifaru Island in the north of the country, is an NGO working on many conservation initiatives, including protecting clownfish and their natural homes. It was while chatting with them that I found out about the symbiotic relationship that clownfish have with the ‘flower of the sea’ – the sea anemone inside which they live.

Photography by SHOKO NODA

The sea anemone gets food and maintenance from the clownfish. The clownfish in return benefits from the sea anemone, whose venomous tentacles protect the clownfish from attacks by other fish. This way, the clownfish and the sea anemone help each other survive in the ocean. I found this relationship of long-term mutual benefit fascinating. It is a relationship that allows the other to not only co-exist, but flourish.

In the same way, the Maldives needs such relationships. While we can make a big impact through our individual actions, stronger partnerships can better protect the country’s reefs and seas, its islands, its biodiversity, and its peoples. So that the Maldives’ beauty and abundance survive for generations to enjoy; both locally, and for its many appreciative visitors.

This edition of Island Life is about the possibilities that such partnerships can bring.

Come Join Us and Be Part of The Solution!

https://give.undp.org/maldives

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CONSERVATION

A LONG J O U R NEY HOM E:

THE STORY OF PYGMY, THE TURTLE

ALL SPECIES OF TURTLES FOUND IN THE MALDIVES ARE PROTECTED

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The turtles had no hesitation. Seeing the vast ocean for the first time with their very own eyes, they slowly and steadily moved towards freedom, step by step.

Pygmy raced with the others, dragging her uneven flippers with all her might along the fine white sand.

The farewell cheers from the crowd rose as she commenced her journey: A journey without a destination.

The crowd cheers Pygmy on as she makes a dash for freedom

Photography by HAWWA AMAANY ABDULLA THE EDITION

Pygmy is very special. She was just six-month old when she, along with some of her siblings poached from the same nest were rescued, after being kept as pets. During her time in captivity, Pygmy had been attacked by her siblings, and was in dire need of medical attention. They had bitten off the tips of her flippers.

Her frontal flippers were a lot smaller in comparison to the rest of her body when she was adopted by the Atoll Marine Centre, a facility in Naifaru Island in the north of Maldives, run by local NGO Naifaru Juvenile. The NGO works on marine conservation, protecting endangered species, and rebuilding and maintaining the marine ecosystem.

Though Pygmy was a little underweight, and barring the condition of her flippers, she was generally in good health. It took a little under a year to undergo treatment for her flippers. She recovered quickly under the watchful care of the Naifaru Juvenile

Shoko and Naifaru Juvenile volunteers release the rehabilitated turtles

Photography by HAWWA AMAANY ABDULLA THE EDITION

team, including the international marine biologist, and volunteers from around the world. Soon enough, she was growing stronger and bolder, practicing diving at the offshore tank in the lagoon, and ready to take the next big step in her life.

On June 30, 2018, Pygmy bid her final farewells and left the team to enjoy a life of adventure in the wild.

It was an emotional, yet celebratory time. Shoko Noda, the UNDP Resident Representative to the Maldives, assisted Pygmy to take her first steps into the real world, as part of the annual Turtle Festival organised by Naifaru Juvenile.

A total of three turtles were rehabilitated and released into the wild during the event; Skye, one of the turtles, had a satellite tracker attached to her carapace. Since the release, she has been traced, wandering around Naifaru and other nearby islands, occasionally drifting out to open ocean and back inside the atoll.

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Pygmy swims in the Naifaru Juvenile marine lab

Photography by NAIFARU JUVENILE

Connecting Businesses with Communities The Atoll Marine Centre’s work had been uplifted over the years, with the assistance of UNDP¹. The Marine Laboratory at the centre was one of the first projects UNDP Maldives initiated with its private sector partners. The Marine Laboratory initially studied various breeds of clownfish. Later, partnering for the Sustainable Development Goals, they worked together with UNDP through State Bank of India support to expand the Marine Laboratory into a sanctuary to rehabilitate turtles.

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UNDP’s GEF Small Grant programme provides financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people's well-being and livelihoods.

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UNDP MALDIVES

Freedom! Pygmy swims into the sea

Photography by HAWWA AMAANY ABDULLA / THE EDITION

Sea turtle ecotourism can generate three times the income than by selling sea turtle parts The oceans need sea turtles to stay healthy. They help maintain the natural order in and out of the water; by grazing on seagrass, controlling sponge distribution, transporting nutrients, and supporting other marine life. Besides their ecological role, research has shown that sea turtle ecotourism can generate three times the income than by selling sea turtle parts such as eggs, meat and shells.

All it takes is one simple idea.

The Naifaru community’s commitment shows us how a small group of youth can make all the difference: A new life for Pygmy and her siblings, and a new step towards protecting the reefs that protect our home island.

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SAVING MALDIVES’ REEFS,

CORAL BY CORAL MEERU ISLAND RESORT & SPA

MALE'

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UNDP MALDIVES

Passionate groups come together to breathe life back into our reefs in peril.

The deep blue oceans that surrounds the tiny Maldivian islands are filled with colourful marine life and vibrant coral reefs, and enjoys some of the richest marine biodiversity anywhere in the world. Our coral reefs are the seventh largest in the world, representing some 5% of the global reef area. It is home to 250 species of coral which teem with over 1,000 species of fish. But these magnificent reefs that protects the islands and its people may soon be gone. Severe coral bleaching incidents have affected between 60-90 percent of corals in different areas of these tropical waters of the Maldives. If immediate action is not taken, these vibrant corals will become ghostly shadows of their former selves.

MALDIVES HOSTS THE SEVENTH LARGEST CORAL REEF SYSTEM IN THE WORLD WITH MORE THAN 250 CORAL SPECIES

Save the Beach is a Maldivian NGO founded by a team of enthusiastic conservationists. The NGO, initially supported by UNDP, has been conducting coral restoration and relocation projects for close to a decade now. One of the first projects by the NGO was to rehabilitate corals damaged following the harbour development project in Villimalé – a division of capital Malé city. Save the Beach already had several such successful reef restoration projects under their belt, when they expressed their wish to start a new coral conservation project to Shoko Noda, the UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives.

About an hour away from Malé city is Meeru Island Resort & Spa. The resort had some of the best underwater spectacles one can find in the Maldives. However, like many coral reefs near this area, it too is under threat and Meeru Island Resort was looking for ways to replenish their reefs. Shoko introduced Save the Beach to Hussain Afeef (Champa), the Chairman of Crown & Champa Resorts, which operate Meeru Island Resort. It led to the Coral Garden seen thriving on the shallower reefs of the resort today.

The resort had the means, and the NGO brought in the know-how. As part of the Coral Garden Project, Save the Beach came up with a method of coral planting, where specific corals that would be compatible in the Meeru waters, were grown on nursery beds, and relocated to the Coral

Getting ready to make the dive in the Meeru waters to view the coral garden

Photography by ASHWA FAHE E M / UNDP M AL D I VE S

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The Meeru coral garden teeming with fish

Photography by M E E RU ISLAND RE SORT & SPA

In conversation about the changing environment: (From left: Nasih, Beybe, Shoko)

Photography by ASHW A FAHE E M / U ND P M A L D I V E S

Garden once they matured. Save the Beach and Meeru worked together to find coral fragments and plant, maintain and tend to them on a daily basis. All this was done at the nurseries developed with the assistance of the Sports, Entertainment and Activities (SEA) team at Meeru Island Resort. The project also allowed the teams to conduct studies on how to grow corals at nurseries, which were ideal locations for replanting matured corals.

One year on, Hassan Ahmed (Beybe), one of the Founders of Save the Beach, and Shoko visited Meeru on a beautiful sunny morning to check the progress of the coral garden. The waters were exceptionally clear and sparkled with the droplets of sunshine shimmering on its surface. “We are thrilled to see the progress. Where once the reef was barren, now the underwater life and the corals are blooming,” Shoko observes.

Noting the importance of connecting passionate groups, Shoko is glad that UNDP was able to support Save the Beach in mobilising support from the private sector. “It’s also very rewarding to see passionate people like Nasih¹ from the resort, who didn’t know that much about marine biology, now becoming an expert in his own way. He is able to carry on the important role of conserving natures incredible gifts to us.”

Discussing about the progress of the coral garden. (From left: Beybe, Shoko, and Areef Director of Operations at Meeru)

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Photography by ASHW A FAHE E M / U ND P M A L D I V E S

Ahmed Nasih is the Assistant Sports, Entertainment and Activities (SEA) Manager at Meeru Island Resort & Spa

“Within just one year, I am amazed to see the good progress made. This is just one reef restored. Imagine if there were hundreds of reefs like this.

We are now proud to host regular coral garden tours for our guests so that we can impart awareness and inspire many more,” says Meeru’s Afeef.

The impact of these remarkable efforts to revive our reefs in peril might be incremental, but it holds promises as vast as the ocean. Especially for countries on the frontlines of climate change, such as Maldives, only by protecting the fragile underwater can we ensure life above water. Taking action for long-term sustainability is the way to leave this country as vibrant, attractive and prosperous as the one we inherited. Not only for Maldivians. But for everyone.

REEF DEPENDENT TOURISM MAKES UP 60% OF TOTAL TOURISM REVENUES AND 43% OF GDP The corals grow in abundance in the Meeru coral garden

Photography by ABDULLA WAHE E D/ UNDP M ALDIVE S

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Manta rays, whale sharks and more…

LIVING WITH

NATURE IN THE MALDIVES’ ONLY BIOSPHERE RESERVE, COMMUNITIES ARE REAPING IN THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE 16

Baa Atoll is truly unique, the colours of its string of 75 islands intense: lush greenery, flawless white beaches, and dazzling blue seas. The atoll is home to the famed dive site Hanifaru Bay, an inlet graced by sharks and stingrays. Its plankton rich waters are the largest known manta feeding station on our planet! It is also one of the very few places in the world where whale sharks congregate to feed off the coral reef. It is no wonder that Baa Atoll was declared the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Kamadhoo is a small island in the north of Baa atoll, sandwiched by major luxury resort hotels. Its early morning in the island and sunlight plays its soft tricks, peeping through the majestic leaves of their banana plantation. A few farmers are already hustling and bustling around their farms. One of them chops up the trunk of his banana plant to use as free, organic compost for his crops: a demonstration of low waste, sustainable farming methods.

Most of the banana trees on the island were damaged in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. In an effort to restore the crops, UNDP provided grants to 60 farmers from Kamadhoo. Healthy trees were brought in from other atolls, and fertilisers and seeds were provided. This was followed by trainings on banana farming techniques and composting.

Mantas swim in Hanifaru Bay

UNDP MALDIVES

Photography by L I Q UI D S A L T D I V E R S

Arifa tends to her banana farm

Photography by ASHWA FAHE E M / UNDP M ALDIVE S

Lush banana yields a source of steady income

Sustainable results, spanning over a decade

Today, bananas are growing well in Kamadhoo with the warm temperatures and fertile soil. The bananas also appeal to the resorts in the region, being local and organic. Arifa Abdul-Rahman, a single mother of six, gets by on the income she makes from selling bananas to the resorts. “I easily earn around $300 a month from my farm.” The partnerships that were made in the process also make it possible for her to seek other employment opportunities at nearby resorts and supplement her income. “I am able make an additional $250, if I go to ‘Landaa Giraavaru’ to sweep the beach for a few hours every day,” Arifa says.

All this was done under the Atoll Ecosystem Conservation (AEC) project of UNDP. In 2003, UNDP worked with partners to initiate the AEC project in Baa Atoll, to establish protected areas and foster sustainable livelihoods options for the people. The project was central in laying the foundation for this first Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives.

Fast-forward 15 years and the sustainability of the project is visible in the atoll, from the rangers who patrol the waters, to the income-generating activities such as the banana farms providing a steady income to the people.

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A new way of life Fathmath Ismail, the former President of the Women’s Development Committee of Kamadhoo Island is waiting outside the banana plantation.

The spotless tree-lined streets are dotted with tourists. With the Biosphere Reserve status, tourism has boomed in the region, coming for this pristine beauty.

“Now we don’t dump garbage, like empty cans and plastic bags, in the ocean. Even students are not allowed to take plastic bags to school. In becoming a Biosphere Reserve, our level of care for our environment has increased, and this is something we consciously incorporate in all areas of our work and life now,” a beaming Fathmath says.

The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve that started off as a conservation project has today evolved into a nationally significant socio-economic driver, creating awareness, and providing various sources of income for communities. It is also a model that demonstrates the power of partnerships in driving sustainable local development.

Most importantly, it has changed the way of life for communities.

Photography by ASHWA FAHE E M / UN D P M AL D I VE S

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Us & our environment One thing is obvious from the Kamadhoo and Baa Atoll story: life, economic success and social development in our islands depend upon maintaining our atoll ecosystems in a healthy natural state. In the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, it is not just a matter of protecting nature, but also honoring the close and balanced relationship between us and our environment.

Farmer makes the rounds on the Kamadhoo banana plantation

Photography by ASHWA FAHE E M / UNDP M ALDI VE S

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EMPOWERMENT

WHEN SEEING CHANGE, BECOMES HOPE FUTURE GREEN LEADERS: ECO-CAMP HELPED YOUTH IMMERSE IN NATURE, CREATING RESPECT AND APPRECIATION FOR THE NATURAL WORLD

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Connecting with Nature Candlelight flickered across the faces of 37 excited school students and lit their path as they waded through the lush forest of Soneva Fushi Resort. They basked in this moment in silence, absorbing everything around them. It was the Earth Hour. A global event where millions of people turn off their lights and switch off their electrical appliances for one hour¹ to celebrate sustainability and support climate action. What better way to connect with nature and make a stand to protect our planet² than in Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Soneva Resorts and Residence joined forces with UNDP to help youth be the change for a better Maldives. Soneva Fushi Resort in Baa Atoll has been at the forefront of developing sustainable experiences through its SLOWLIFE philosophy³ and sharing these experiences with local communities, and school children has been their priority.

Eco Camp participants celebrating ‘Earth Hour’

Photography by SONE VA FUSHI

¹ 2030-2130Hrs local time | ² Earth Hour is marked on ³SLOW LIFE stands for Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wellness, Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experiences. It explains Sonve Fushi Resort and Residence philosophy, which is to create unforgettable, enlightening experiences that illuminate guest experience whilst treading lightly on the earth.

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Youth with a Purpose Eco Camp 2018 was joined by students and youth between 16-25 years and explored issues such as UN Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality and gained experience on Waste to Wealth management both at Soneva and Maalhos Island in Baa Atoll. These participants are going to be the future leaders and decision makers of the Maldives and they were at this camp for a reason: to experience and learn about their environment.

In the resort, participants visited the Eco Centro – Waste to Wealth Centre. It enlightened them on how to recycle waste into new items; how glass, polystyrene boxes and other waste were turned into new vases, drawer knobs and eco-friendly bricks, and how organic gardening works.

“It was very eye-opening to learn how polystyrene boxes were recycled into cement blocks,” one participant expressed.

The students also went on a field visit to Maalhos; an island best known for its sustainable waste management policy.

They learnt how waste is turned into compost, and about the sustainable rainwater collection system in the island.

A guided walk through the island forest highlighted how our local environment protects the islands and its inhabitants.

“What I took away from our walk in the islands’ forest was how to co-exist with nature,” one participant voiced, explaining how its majesty and beauty changed the way they thought about forests.

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Eco Camp participants learning about their marine environment at the ‘Marine Morning’ in Soneva Fushi

Photography by SO N E VA F U S H I

The last activity at Soneva Fushi resort included a “Marine Morning” with the marine biologist and the team at the resort. Getting to know about our marine environment the dire effects of climate change on the marine life was an unforgettable experience for the participants. They snorkelled with the Mobula Rays and schools of colourful fish, sea turtles and realised the importance of our marine ecosystem, and the need to protect them.

Photography by SONE V A FUSHI

A Brighter, Greener Future For many participants, the most memorable experience from the Eco Camp was the opportunity to see a close-up of the moon from Soneva Fushi’s state-of-the-art 3D telescope. It was an extremely emotional experience for them. “I realised how important Mother Earth is in this universe.

How much I care about our environment, how much we all do,” said one participant.

As the sun sets on the last day of the Camp, the participants packed their bags and embarked on their journey home.

Tired but energised. The Eco camp was a place where their individual struggles turned into group strength, where they learned to respect nature, and where they were inspired to make the world a better place.

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONVERSATION! THE NEXT GENERATION OF ADVOCACY LEADERS IN THE MAKING

Photography by HUSSAIN YAMIN

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Film For Change… Take Two! 24-year-old Mohamed Shuhan was one of about twenty youth who were keen to learn the art of film making, guided by mentor studios. He wanted to show the real life in the Maldives through his lens. An avid diver and surf instructor, Shuhan sees first-hand how fragile the reef ecosystem is and the destruction caused by human activity, such as climate change, pollution and coastal modification. With his ambition to be a Marine Biologist, Shuhan has been working as a part-time volunteer for environmental NGOs to conduct surveys and reef checks.

The only way to stop the destruction of coral reefs is to create awareness and help build a community of conservationists, he says. Armed with his phone, Shuhan dived in to combat the challenge, via a FILM! The second round¹ of ‘Film For Change’ provided passionate youth with the skills to use their smart phone as a powerful tool to bring positive social change in their own communities. They got together to create short films featuring the Sustainable Development Goals on Quality Education, Gender Equality, Climate Action, and Life Below Water.

Maldivian youth created powerful short films on everyday challenges that mattered to them, that sparked conversations on how youth could work together for social change and build an ideal future

¹ This is the second installment of Film for Change, a joint project by UNDP in partnership with Maldives telecom giant and digital service provider Dhiraagu, aimed at empowering and guiding young people towards exploring and sparking dialogue through the medium of film and cinematography.

Shuhan and his teammates featured the adverse effects of litter entering the ocean and the chain reaction it creates by impacting coral reefs, other marine life, and ultimately us, humans. They named the film, “Vilunoo, which means the tourquoise blue of the seas in local Maldivian language.

Four films were made and premiered. Screenings and conversations continued in several cafés, centring on the role of youth in socio-economic development, environmental conservation and sustainability, and gender equality, among a host of other topics.

After more than a month of activity, the curtains drop on this episode of Film for Change. But this is not the last act for the participants. Shuhan and his colleagues are getting ready to take their filmmaking skills to the next stage and continue to voice their concerns across the country. For the Maldives, this combo of youth+ phones+ internet has been the winning formula to create the next generation of advocacy leaders across the 188 inhabited islands. Until next time, that’s a wrap!

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Four films made during the Film for change Take two..

‘Nama’ Focuses on the role of the society in educating a child. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_K78PAhQXE

‘Bilaah’ Is based on gender equality issues such as gender discrimination, gender stereotyping and violence against women in the Maldives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lcW0DFTCRU

26 U N D P M A L D I V E S

‘Kuda’ Highlights how a child is left bewildered and distressed as a result of our actions that affects the environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ioULH42Zw

‘Vilunoo’ Focuses on our collective responsibility to ensure that the future generations enjoy the beautiful marine environment of the Maldives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojuc0KbAmD8

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SPOTLIGHT

Mariya Shareef

“ FAILURE IS WHY I AM HERE” Mariya Shareef, Resort Manager of Summer Island Maldives recounts how she rose from the ashes to make a difference at the top

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Photography by SUM M E R I S L A ND R E S O R T

Mariya in conversation with Shoko

‘Hands-on’ is how Mariya Shareef, one of the few Maldivian women ever to hold the position of Resort Manager in this barefoot paradise, describes herself.

Mariya is eager to be in the centre of activity, at any and every event that takes place at the resort island. As the sun sets, she’s seen mingling with guests relaxing on their deckchairs, discreetly yet warmly inquiring if they enjoyed their day. When the drums fill the air with local ‘boduberu’ music, she joins in the dancing, cheering on everyone around her. Every morning, she meets with the heads of departments and prioritizes the day’s work as a team. To commemorate Earth Day, she leads the beach clean-up, shovel in hand. Eid celebrations sees her fiercely holding on to the rope, joining her team to win in the tug-of-war game. Indeed, that’s Mariya for you. If life was a game of tug-of-war, you can be sure she’s right there, pulling for you.

Mariya Shareef sat down with UNDP’s Shoko Noda to chat about her incredible journey as a woman breaking the glass ceiling in the Maldivian hospitality scene. The following are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Photography by UN D P M A L D I V E S

Shoko Noda: First please, I am very excited to hear all about your stories as the first Maldivian female resort manager…

Mariya Shareef: I was not always in top crust jobs. Like many I had to work my way up. I wanted to be a chef, and that was why I studied hotel management. So you could say I loved my first job in the industry – which was as a kitchen assistant! My stint in the pastry kitchen was very brief though, and I steadily moved on to work the front office, onto reservations, PR, sales, marketing and business development.

I landed in my present post because I was very much involved in the upgrading of Summer Island in 2014/15, and rebranding of the resort. I was stationed on the island for the first couple of months, and assisted through the transition from a 3-star to 4-star establishment. We went from being Summer Island Village to Summer Island Maldives! Proud moment.

SN: How is it like being a woman in a man’s world, and yet, succeeding…

MS: It’s something that wasn’t conventionally heard of or accepted, wasn’t it? Being a Maldivian woman working in a resort, much less working in a managerial role. But I never thought

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this makes you stronger. Failure is why I am here.

Take big leaps, be keen to learn new things, and always keep challenging yourself. This is how you make the biggest difference.

SN: Tell us about the world's largest 3D-printed reef system which was installed in your resort, and going big on the environment…

Pulling with her team to win!

Photography by SUM M E R ISLAND RE SORT

that it would be different for me as a woman. I never regarded myself as a “woman therefore incapable.”

This is the most important step, seeing yourself as equal.

And really, the hotel industry is evolving. Women today have more opportunities. You just need to have the courage and conviction to grab these opportunities, and be sincere in your work.

My advice to aspiring women is, “just go and do it!”

With hard work, and a winning mind-set, nothing is impossible. Just don’t be scared of failure, because

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MS: Living on these fragile islands, the idea of using technology as a means to protect our environment is something that really appealed to us. 2018 being the International Year of the Reefs, we wanted to use the opportunity to do something to care for our reefs.

The Modular Artificial Reef Structure or MARS was developed by Alex Goad and his team at Reef Design Lab in Australia. It was installed and is used as a coral farming device on Summer Island. It was super exciting, and a huge learning experience to work closely with Alex - from inception till the installation of the 3D-printed reef system in our waters. Our team’s support and involvement was also incredible throughout.

Summer Island is deeply invested in protecting the environment. We’ve started phasing out single-use plastics like drinking straws, plastic bags, plastic water bottles and such. We even have a bottling plant as our own way of banning the plastic bottle.

Mariya attends to Summer Island Resort’s coral garden

Photography by SUM M E R I S L A ND R E S O R T

World's largest 3D-printed reef system in Summer Island Resort

We’ve also been looking at renewable energy sources, like the use of solar power to generate hot water. It’s great to be living in the age of green technology, isn’t it?

SN: It’s wonderful that you’ve been at the forefront of the eco-friendly movement at your resort. What are some of the new things you have brought in…

MS: For starters, no plastic straws, phasing out single use plastic bags and saying no to pet and plastic bottles and more say from the team!

Sustainability is the bedrock of our tourism industry and I am a firm believer of environmental preservation. It is our duty to preserve these beautiful islands for future generations. I want to create a community that focuses on environmental initiatives, and believe that their actions create or break our fragile environment. I want to see a community, within the resort, coming up with ideas and initiatives to do our part, and bring that mentality back home when they move.

Photography by SUM M E R I SL AND R E S O R T

I believe in how ‘together, we can be stronger’.

Involving the team more is one of the major makeovers that I’ve worked on during the past two years. Today, we discuss, brainstorm and do things together. From the new menu items, to the thrilling new entertainment options, it’s just so much better when we work like this!

This is also how our ‘no plastic straws initiative’ came about. We are exploring even more environment-friendly options. I am so excited about it. So much promise there. We buy local produce from nearby islands and our fish are also supplied by local fishermen.

Shoko Noda: Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m sure it will encourage many more women.

Please continue to be this role model, so you can inspire the next generation to take positive leaps.

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UNSINKABLE Hawwa Mizna is determined to make a splash, defying all odds Swimming in Hulhumalé’s east end, Hawwa Mizna, 32, is just like any other person at the swimming track: splashing in the water and enjoying the sea, with eyes glinting in the sun. But for Mizna, the feeling of being in the water is like no other. Here, she is free. “I feel so light. It’s like I can move every part of my body,” Mizna says.

Mizna was diagnosed with a case of kyphoscoliosis - an abnormal curvature of the spine, at an early age. Her condition worsened over the years and posterior decompression surgery left her with paralyses of the lower limbs. She has been using a wheelchair since she was 16 years old. It has been a life-changing ordeal, but Mizna strived to move on, not letting life’s curve balls stop her. “Don’t feel sorry for me just because this happened. A lot of times there is this assumption that people living with disabilities are unhappy, which is not always the case,” Mizna says with conviction.

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Mizna at her swimming sessions

Photography by ASHW A FAHE E M / UN D P M A L D I V E S

Mizna enjoys being healthy and independent. She is surrounded by a family who loves and supports her, including her amazing single mother who raised her with the aid of her siblings. It was Mizna’s husband who took her swimming after a long hiatus. Pain and weakness in her legs had kept her out of the water for years. “He knew how much I would enjoy it,” she says. At first, she had to cling onto her husband as she practiced her strokes. Soon she began to grow more confident, and gradually started swimming independently by herself.

As Mizna eases herself out of the water and gets into her wheelchair, she is glad she is based in Hulhumalé - a city planned on an artificial island that was reclaimed on the northern side of Maldives’ main airport, and is a division of capital Malé. “This city is more spacious and easier to get around in. I think it’s friendlier to people with disabilities, compared to Malé,” Mizna says referring to where she used to live before.

The National Social Protection Agency reveals that in 2017, 1.34% of the population were registered as persons with disabilities in the Maldives¹. As a person living with a disability, Mizna has experienced many barriers. She agrees with her peers that it’s important to enable accessibility and inclusion by removing physical, attitudinal, communicational and other barriers being experienced by persons with disabilities.

But Mizna is witnessing a positive turning tide.

Maldives has taken steps, including establishing legislations that has created opportunities for persons with disabilities to access their rights and receive services. The perceptions and attitudes towards persons with disabilities have also changed over the years, prompted by the efforts of many people including persons with disabilities fighting for their own rights. Today, Mizna is employed in the Finance Department of the water and sewerage company². She is proud of her first job, and grateful

for the support of her colleagues. But it isn’t always easy.

Imagine you are in a wheelchair. Now imagine going to an ATM. Sometimes there are no ramps. So there is no way to get inside the door. Or supposing you got inside. There are no handrails. The machine is out of reach, being placed higher than the position you are in. These are just some of the daily struggles Mizna still has to face.

“This makes me feel powerless. To depend on someone else to get my own money out of the ATM. If my husband or a trusted person is not available, I always have to hope there’ll be a willing bystander or a capable staff member to provide direct assistance. I don’t want that,” says Mizna who prefers to do things on her own wherever possible, just like anyone else. “I don’t expect the world to revolve around me.

“A lot of times there is this assumption that people living with disabilities are unhappy, which is not always the case” Mizna says with conviction.

Photography by A S H WA FA H EEM / UNDP M ALDIVE S

Figures based on registration at the National Disability Registry ² Mizna works at the Male' Water and Sewerage Company

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I will adapt – just make things work, so I can adapt.”

This is why Mizna is hopeful of what her city Hulhumalé, can offer as a ‘smart city’. “It’s not the person who is disabled, it’s the city that is disabled,” says UNDP’s Nasheeth Thoha. UNDP is working together with partners, including telecom giant, Ooredoo and Housing Development Corporation³ to make Hulhumalé Maldives’ first ‘smart city’. The concept was borne to address urban challenges by developing innovative and smart solutions that can make city life inclusive and accessible to all of its citizens, including people with disabilities.

Things like wheelchair ramps, accessible toilets, step-free access to shops and ferries, and lifts will allow people like Mizna who live with a physical disability to go about their day more self-sufficiently.

Accessible transportation will also mean she can go to her cherished swimming lessons more easily, without having to rely on her husband or someone to take her.

It has been one year since Mizna resumed swimming. She has become a strong swimmer, with power and purpose behind each stroke. She has a dream: to represent Maldives in the Paralympics. Mizna is looking forward to begin formal trainings.

Like her amazing family, her friends from Maldives Association of Physical Disables (MAPD) is fully behind her, cheering her on. Just like us.

Mizna’s journey is just beginning but we know that wherever this young swimmer goes, she is bound to make a splash.

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Housing Development Corporation, a state-owned enterprise and is the master developer, builder and regulator for the development of Hulhumalé.

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The ‘Smart Cities’ project promotes the concept of Universal Design. Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.

7 Principles of Universal Design

Equitable

Flexibility

Simple & intuitive

Perception information

Tolerence for error

Low physical effort

Size & space

1.34% OF THE POPULATION ARE REGISTERED AS PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE MALDIVES 35

WITH HOPE IT SAILS Peace Boat’s 99th milestone voyage and its first sail for the SDGs The mammoth ship dwarfed all other vessels dotted around it. As it approached Maldives’ capital, it sounded its horn three times, informing Malé city - lying a mere one meter above sea level, of its arrival.

From the outside it looked like a regular cruise ship but as it got closer you could see the smiling faces of diverse youth blending in with older passengers, all waving eagerly. This was neither an ordinary cruise ship, nor an ordinary journey.

Floating Peace Village Peace Boat is a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organisation that works to promote peace, human rights, sustainable development and respect for the environment. The floating peace village was sailing on its 99th global voyage, as it docked near Malé city in September 2018. This voyage was the first in collaboration with the UN SDG Action Campaign, aiming to inspire action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Mantas swim in Hanifaru Bay

Photography by L I Q UI D S A L T W A T E R S

Photography by ASHWA FAHE E M / UN D P M A L D I V E S

For most on board, it was a once in a lifetime experience to travel around the world. Some have worked hard all their lives and want to see the world when they retire. Others want to take time off and think about their life and career. Some want to take a gap year, while others want to learn a new language. Everyone on this cruise has a unique story, especially the ‘Mizuan’ (literally translated as ‘navigators’), who serve as guest educators on the ship.

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A Meaningful Journey Maeed Zahir, the Mizuan from the Maldives, joined the cruise in Singapore. He is excited to be back in his country on this journey. This special voyage of the cruise ship encourages youth to become global citizens and discuss challenges facing the world today and gain invaluable experiences from the countries they visit. Maeed, an environmental advocate, works for Ecocare Maldives – an NGO working to protect and sustain the environment.

En route to his country, Maeed has been explaining why building community resilience and climate change adaptation is so important for the Maldives.

The passengers disembarked in Malé and led by Maeed walked to the sandy shores of one of Malé’s public beaches. They teamed up with local NGO Save the Beach and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Maldives to clean this artificial beach area, focusing on the theme of “Clean Water for a Bright Future”. While collecting plastic waste and other litter from the beach, the group were also able to reflect on individual and collective responsibility to rid the ocean of plastic pollution.

Back on the ship, the participants got the opportunity to meet Maldivian youth who triggered positive change in their communities. They did this via the short films they had created using their mobile phones for the ‘Film for Change’ initiative.

Inspired by the SDGs, the films were used to

Shoko on board the Peace Boat

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Photography by ASHW A FAHE E M / U ND P M A L D I V E S

The 99th voyage of the Peace Boat advocated for the SDGs

Photography by PEA C E BO A T

generate discussion among friends, family and now participants of the Peace Boat, on climate action, gender equality and quality education.

As the day ended, the Film for Change participants made their way back to Malé city, and the Peace Boat passengers got ready for their next destination. Maldives was just one of 23 countries they were visiting. Each country may be different but the challenges are borderless. The ship sailed into the horizon towards its next destination, carrying with it the hopes and aspirations of Maldivian youth for a better and sustainable future.

Peace Boat passengers clean-up Malé’s beach

Photography by PE AC E B O AT

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PARTNERSHIPS

U N I T E FOR CL IMAT E ACT ION :

BUILDING A BETTER, CLEANER AND SAFER FUTURE One year on: A re-cap of Maldives’ climate action journey, heralded by a celebrity with a cause 40

UNDP MALDIVES

Nikolaj tries his hand at ‘rope making’ in Laamu Atoll

Photography by UM AI R B AD E E U/ U ND P M A L D I V E S

In the line of fire In November 2017, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who also plays Jaime Lannister on the hit series, Game of Thrones, visited the Maldives.

Nikolaj supports various causes, from animals to education to the environment among others. He kicked off his climate action journey in Laamu Atoll, also the location for the final battle scene on Planet Scarif on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Laamu is the second largest atoll in terms of land mass in the country, boasting some of the richest biodiversity in the country, both on land and under water. However, a closer look showed how these islands and its people were directly in the line of fire, from the devastating effects of climate change. Nikolaj met community members whose farms were wiped away in a single day due to sea swells, and who lost homes due to severe beach erosion.

Coastal erosion as seen on the beautiful beaches of Laamu Atoll

Photography by UMA IR BA DEEU / UN DP MA LD IVES

Small actions, big impacts During his visit, Nikolaj met passionate Maldivian youth who were actively involved in taking community action to protect the environment. He saw beach cleaning initiatives that started in one island, now being replicated across the country. He met divers dedicated to educating young children on where the plastic ends up in the ocean, and how it’s affecting the big picture.

Nikolaj’s message to us all was simple, but inspirational. "Take action & get engaged.

Even if everyone does a little bit, you can make a huge impact."

Flooding in the island of Laamu Maabaidhoo

Photography by ASHWA FAHE E M / AH M E D AR SHAD

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Passing on our beautiful home to the next generation The Unite for Climate Action campaign launched during Nikolaj’s visit to the Maldives is a significant step to connect individuals and communities with the private sector to help locals find solutions to issues they face. These partnerships can foster innovative and sustainable solutions that will help to mitigate climate change and create a better, cleaner and safer future for all of us.

Members of local NGO Save the Beach talking to Nikolaj and Shoko about their Marine Conservation Projects

Photography by UM AI R B AD E E U / U ND P M A L D I V E S

EVERY YEAR, OVER 80 ISLANDS REQUEST FOR DRINKING WATER, DUE TO WATER SHORTAGES ‘Eco-bricks’, an innovation being tested under the Unite For Climate Action campaign. The concrete-plastic bricks are made by using plastic waste, and will allow communities to use it to elevate farms to address the challenges of climate change, such as flooding.

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Photography by ASHW A FAHE E M / UN D P M AL D I VE S

One year on, here’s a look at the Unite for Climate Action Campaign: GAAFU ALIFU VILLINGILI ISLAND Island Disaster Management Plan developed

ALIFU DHAALU FENFUSHI ISLAND Community Emergency Response Team established and specialized trainings on-going

LAAMU MAABAIDHOO ISLAND Community Emergency Response Team established and specialized trainings on-going and elevated farm on-going

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MA K E M Y I S L AN D:

HELP CREATE LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO LOCAL ISSUES

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Photography by ASHWA FAHE E M / U ND P M A L D I V E S

Since its launch in 2016, UNDP’s ‘Make My Island’ initiative has matched community ideas with private sector expertise to develop local solutions to their everyday challenges.

In the coming years, Make My Island will work on creating smart cities, uniting for climate action and fostering youth innovation and empowerment.

From creating advocates for women’s empowerment in the North, to protecting mangroves in the South to supporting youth leaders in capital Malé City, the Make My Island initiative provides an opportunity for private sector to partner to be part of the solution, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for the Maldives.

A small gesture can go a long way in making a difference.

UNDP MALDIVES

Find out more at: http://www.makemyisland.mv

G ET T I NG T H E F U T U R E R IG H T :

PARTNERING FOR THE SDGs Respect and value women’s work in the economic and public sphere as well as at home Encourage women and girls to participate in all economic and public spheres

Ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems by developing sustainable fishing practices and monitoring proper waste management.

End all violence against women and girls including forced marriage, sexual exploitation, trafficking and abuse in all its forms.

Ensure that all cities and communities are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Promote the appreciation and protection of the environment and culture.

Ensure equal access to justice and legal information for all.

Make cities resilient to disaster and adaptable to climate change.

Strengthen institutions so people can trust them.

Combat crime and corruption.

Provide safe and organized transportation that is not harmful to the environment.

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MEET THE TEAM The ‘Meet the Team’ series, which we have run in our social media, is very close to my heart.

Often it is the Head of an office, or a handful of individuals who get the limelight and are known as its face. Through the ‘Meet the Team’ series, I wanted every single colleague of our team to become the face of UNDP in the Maldives and beyond. For everyone to know that they are the ones behind our successful work.

The UNDP Maldives team is a tight-knit community of very unique individuals. They are the most energetic, fun, caring and dedicated bunch I have worked with in my 20 year-plus UN career. I am extremely proud of Team UNDP Maldives.

Through this booklet, I want to share this sense of pride with our families, friends and people we work with.

As the series unfolded, I was so inspired to learn more about them and become even more proud and fond of them. It was touching to hear about their journeys: their joy and sorrows, their anxieties and humour, their dreams and aspirations. This writing about ourselves has also been a way of self-reflection: on who we are, how far we have come, and where we want to go.

Each story is passionate, diverse and beautiful, and celebrates who we are, how far we have come, and what motivate us every day. And so, let’s Meet the Team…

Best wishes,

Find out more at: https://issuu.com/undpmaldives4/docs/ meet_the_team_undp_maldives

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JOIN US TO SUPPORT THE MALDIVES

https://give.undp.org/maldives

YOUR CONTRIBUTION CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE Together we can support women start small businesses. Families can have drinking water at home. Young boys and girls can learn computer skills. We can protect corals and turtles, and train men and women to become disaster experts ready to assist their communities.

LET’S BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.

Empowered lives.

Resilient nations.