Maldives

Introduction

Maldives has created a National Programme for the International Year of the Oceans, which will be initiated on the 7th of June.  A committee, which includes officials from different Government Ministries, has been formulated to carry out the activities included in the National Programme.

National Programme

The following events have been undertaken as part of the National Programme for the International Year of the Oceans.

In order to minimize accidents at sea, a sea program has been launched to increase awareness and check the safety requirements of sea going  vessels.   To facilitate this, routine checks will be carried out once a month.

"My Ocean Charter" has been translated into the local language "Dhivehi" and the layout of this document has  been completed.   It will be sent to schools, and signatures will collected nation wide.

A workshop will be held in two Atolls (Lhaviyani and Baa) from 21-23 of June to disseminate information among the youth with regard to the importance of seas.   Some of the topics to be covered in this program include the different aspects of fisheries management, coral reefs, marine pollution, the existing rules and regulations and also how to deal with hazards while at sea.  A second workshop will be held in the first week of December in the South of Maldives.

A beach cleaning program will be started in order to create awareness on marine pollution; more information will be given to the locals on this subject.

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industries, in consultation with concerned Government Ministries, is organizing a Recreation Diving Symposium to be held in mid-September 1998.

To increase awareness among fishermen regarding sustainable fisheries management, translated notes will be printed and distributed. Charts and leaflets on the marine environment and protected areas will be prepared and distributed among the locals and school children. Slogans on the IYO will be broadcast in order to reach the entire community.

An exhibition will be held from 16 - 18 of December to mark the IYO. It will include a display of photographs, models and other materials.  The theme will be on the sound uses of ocean resources. A documentary film will also be prepared for the IYO; guidelines have been prepared.

The IYO slogan, "Oceans - A Heritage for the Future", will be used for the National Fishermen's' Day celebrations on December 10th.

Special stamp sets will be issued to emphasize the importance of the IYO including one set on the "Ocean and wildlife".