The discussions focused on environmental conservation and community engagement, and on how MRC and ERA can work together to strengthen environmental literacy and awareness across the Maldives. Central to this is MRC’s volunteer network and its work in community-based ecosystem restoration, climate action, and community mobilisation, which offer a strong foundation for engaging communities in protecting the environment.
This work is already taking shape on the ground. In September 2025, MRC hosted the Dhooni Vaahaka sessions in Kulhudhuffushi City, delivered through ERA’s collaborators Dr Sebastian Steibl of the University of Auckland and local consultant Ifham Hassan Zareer. Drawing on their ongoing study on the status of common breeding and migratory birds in the Maldives, under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, the sessions brought awareness of protected and migratory birds to schools, the public library, and MRC volunteers through a field-based bird walk. Learn More - Dhooni Vaahaka - a bird awareness and citizen science initiative,
MRC hopes to continue this engagement in other island communities, so that more people can learn about the birds around them and take part in protecting them. MRC looks forward to working with ERA to support communities in this shared effort.